New Amgen obesity drug data disappoint Wall Street – BioPharma Dive

Report on Amgen’s Experimental Obesity Drug MariTide and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Overview of MariTide’s Clinical Trial Results

1. Amgen’s experimental obesity drug, MariTide, demonstrated an average body weight reduction of up to 16% over one year in people with obesity, according to full data from a Phase 2 trial presented at a medical meeting.
2. This weight loss figure is lower than previously reported data from November, which only included study completers and excluded those who discontinued therapy.
3. Comparatively, MariTide’s efficacy appears inferior to Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and only marginally better than Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy; however, no direct clinical trial comparisons have been conducted.
4. MariTide is administered every one to two months, aiming to offer a longer-lasting alternative to the weekly injections required by Zepbound and Wegovy.
5. Side effects such as vomiting have led to study discontinuations and adjustments in Amgen’s dosing protocol, impacting the drug’s overall profile.

Market and Scientific Insights

• Following the presentation of full data at the American Diabetes Association meeting and publication in The New England Journal of Medicine, Amgen’s shares declined by 4%.
• MariTide is among several emerging obesity drugs targeting improved efficacy, convenience, and reduced side effects compared to existing treatments.
• The drug targets gut hormones GLP-1 and GIP but uniquely blocks GIP rather than stimulating it, differentiating it from competitors.
• Initial Phase 1 data generated significant market enthusiasm, but subsequent findings have moderated expectations.
• Analyst opinions vary: some highlight high vomiting rates and declining weight loss potency as challenges, while others note potential improvements with modified dosing strategies in upcoming Phase 3 trials.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• MariTide’s development aligns with SDG 3 by addressing obesity, a major global health challenge linked to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
• Effective obesity treatments contribute to reducing premature mortality from chronic illnesses and improving overall population health.
• By potentially offering less frequent dosing, MariTide aims to enhance patient adherence and quality of life, supporting mental and physical well-being.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The advancement of MariTide exemplifies innovation in pharmaceutical research targeting complex metabolic disorders.
• Investment in novel drug development fosters sustainable industrial growth and technological progress in healthcare.
• Collaborative clinical research and data transparency, as demonstrated by Amgen’s trial publications, support evidence-based medical advancements.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Developing drugs with improved dosing schedules, such as MariTide’s monthly or bimonthly administration, may reduce resource use and waste associated with frequent medication delivery.
• Optimizing drug efficacy and minimizing side effects contribute to responsible healthcare consumption and patient-centered treatment approaches.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Amgen’s engagement with medical communities, regulatory bodies, and scientific publications highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing global health objectives.
• Collaborative efforts in obesity drug development can accelerate progress toward achieving health-related SDGs worldwide.

Conclusion

Amgen’s MariTide represents a significant step in the pursuit of innovative obesity treatments that align with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on health, innovation, and responsible production. While challenges remain regarding efficacy and side effects, ongoing clinical trials and dosing optimizations may enhance its potential impact. Continued emphasis on sustainable pharmaceutical development and collaborative partnerships will be essential to addressing the global obesity epidemic and advancing the SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the development and clinical trials of obesity drugs aimed at improving health outcomes for people with obesity.
   • Focus on reducing obesity-related health risks and improving treatment options aligns with SDG 3’s goal to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The article highlights pharmaceutical innovation in obesity treatment, including new drug development and clinical trials.
   • This connects to SDG 9’s emphasis on fostering innovation and building resilient infrastructure in health technology.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
2. Under SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including health-related industries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators Related to SDG 3 Targets
   • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease — obesity being a major risk factor for these diseases.
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services — implied by access to and effectiveness of new obesity drugs like MariTide.
   • Clinical efficacy indicators: Percentage of body weight lost (up to 16% average weight loss reported), side effects incidence (vomiting rates), and treatment adherence (study discontinuations) are implied measures of drug effectiveness and tolerability.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 9 Targets
   • Research and development metrics: Number and phase of clinical trials (Phase 2 and upcoming Phase 3 trials), innovation in drug delivery methods (monthly vs. weekly injections), and improvements in drug efficacy and safety profiles.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: biopharmadive.com