In an effort to make weight loss treatments more convenient, pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Amgen are developing monthly GLP-1 injections. These new treatments aim to reduce the frequency of injections from weekly to monthly, potentially making it easier for patients to adhere to their medication schedules.
Advancements in GLP-1 Treatments
Currently, weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound require weekly injections. The new monthly shots, such as Pfizer’s experimental drug berobenatide, are designed to remain active in the body longer. Berobenatide achieves this by attaching to a protein in the blood called albumin, which helps protect the drug from being broken down too quickly.
Dr. John Buse, an endocrinologist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, highlighted the appeal of reducing injections from 52 to just 12 per year. He noted that the monthly dose could be particularly beneficial for patients who struggle to maintain a weekly schedule due to life events or travel.
Clinical Trials and Results
Pfizer presented promising results from a 28-week trial at the American Diabetes Association’s annual conference. Participants lost up to 12.3% of their body weight on average. Additionally, the drug showed potential in managing blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Amgen’s monthly GLP-1 drug, MariTide, is also undergoing trials. It uses an antibody to prolong its activity in the body and targets both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Results from a midstage trial indicated that patients lost up to 20% of their body weight over 52 weeks.
Patient Perspectives and Future Developments
While the new monthly injections offer convenience, some patients, like Taylor McDaniels from Pittsburgh, express concerns about potential side effects and the effectiveness of the new regimen compared to existing treatments. Dr. Susan Spratt from Duke Health suggests that starting with weekly injections might be preferable for some patients to establish a routine before transitioning to monthly doses.
Amgen is exploring whether MariTide could be administered even less frequently, such as every other month, and whether it can address obesity-related conditions like heart disease and sleep apnea. As these developments progress, they hold the promise of making weight loss treatments more accessible and manageable for many individuals.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
