Roche targets obesity market with early positive trial data

Roche anticipates benefiting from the obesity therapy market following positive Phase Ib trial results for its investigational obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment, CT-388. This once-weekly subcutaneous therapy targets incretin receptors controlling food intake and energy absorption, akin to Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide). In the trial (NCT04838405), 96 overweight or obese participants, with or without type 2 diabetes, observed a mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8% at 24 weeks. Notably, all participants experienced weight loss exceeding 5%, with 45% shedding over 20% of initial weight. Pre-diabetic participants achieved normoglycemic status by 24 weeks.

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal-related adverse events were observed, typical of incretin therapies. Roche plans to disclose data from obese and type 2 diabetic patients later this year. GLP-1 obesity therapies, deemed "wonder drugs," are lucrative, with GLP-1 receptor agonist sales projected to exceed $125 billion by 2033, per GlobalData.