Pfizer to discontinue twice-daily weight loss pill due to high rates of adverse side effects

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CNBC

Published Fri, Dec 1 20236:45 AM EST


Pfizer on Friday said it would stop developing the twice-daily version of its experimental weight loss pill after obese patients taking the drug lost significant weight but had trouble tolerating the drug in a mid-stage clinical study.

The drugmaker observed high rates of adverse side effects, which were mostly mild and gastrointestinal, among patients. A significant share of patients also stopped taking the drug.

“At this time, twice-daily danuglipron formulation will not advance into Phase 3 studies,” the company said.

But Pfizer said it still plans to release phase two trial data on a once-a-day version of the drug in the first half of 2024, which will “inform a path forward.” The pharmaceutical giant will wait to see that data before deciding whether to start a phase three study on the once-daily pill, which Wall Street views as the more competitive form of the treatment.

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/01/pfizer-to-discontinue-twice-daily-version-of-weight-loss-pill.html

[Hugin]

1. I wonder how those side effects stack up against...

The side effects of eating less and exercise?

[Wonder Why]

2. For many people, it is not one or the other. I take Ozempic for diabetes and because the dose was insufficient,

my doctor doubled it. Suddenly I lost all desire to eat too much or eat between meals. It made me feel so good, I started exercising a lot more and turning away junk food even when hungry to have them. Minus 28 pounds in 6 months. Blood sugar went from 7.7 to 6.3 in 90 days.

[Hugin]

5. Congratulations with your success using a holistic approach!

Of course, I realize that there are many who do require a medicine for proper metabolic control. Diabetes in particular is the biggie.

But, this particular drug is being marketed solely as a weight loss product. Which, I don't think is a good approach as your success proves.

[Wonder Why]

6. I'm sorry I did not make it clear. I credit Ozempic with the vast majority of the weight loss.

I think the exercise was the result of my feeling much better about myself because of the weight loss and my watching my diet is due to the fact that I want to maintain and continue the loss because I reduced insulin use by 25% and wear pants that are 4" less at the waist. It's the combination of Ozempic followed by an increased realization that weight loss is possible, something I have been unsuccessfully fighting for 40 years.

[Hugin]

9. It feels so good, doesn't it?

What impressed me the most is that your doctor listened to what you were saying and worked with you on the dosage. Keep that doctor!

Also, it's important that you are self-aware and you're really engaged in the process.

Keep up the good work, it only gets better.

[Deep State Witch]

7. It's not that easy for some people

Honestly, it's not that easy for some people. I have struggled with my weight all of my life. The only thing that worked for me was keto, but it wasn't sustainable. I still eat low-carb, but not true keto. I tried Wegovy, but had really bad side effects that I'm still dealing with.

[Hugin]

10. To be honest...

I have also struggled with my weight during my life. Several years ago, I got serious about it and over time I lost around eighty pounds.

I've learned I must be mindful of my intake and yes, I'm a label reader. I know the struggles and at one point I broke my metabolism and had to start over.

I can't say I've ever been on a named diet regimen. I've mostly monitored my resting calories and I know very well that exercise is the smallest gear in the weight loss plan. It's so important, though. To keep and build that muscle mass. 

[Deep State Witch]

11. Duh

Well, duh... I never would have figured this out on my own.

[mahina]

8. Clearly unequal

As a former long distance biker, aerobics teacher, years-long listener to my nutritionist who advised 1300 calories a day( (a doc who teaches at UH Manoa,) religious user of intake tracker ap for many years, and great enjoyer of daily exercise, eating less and exercise don't = weight loss for some of us.

When I was super fit I and assumed I always would be, I thought people who weren't were making bad choices- but it is not always so.

[FakeNoose]

3. It's not being prescribed to patients, they were still doing clinical testing

From the OP link:

The company said high rates of adverse events were observed among patients in the study, with up to 73% experiencing nausea, up to 47% vomiting and up to 25% experiencing diarrhea. More than 50% of patients across all dose sizes stopped taking the pill, compared to roughly 40% among those on the placebo, according to Pfizer.

No new safety issues were observed, and danuglipron was not associated with increased liver enzymes like Pfizer’s other discontinued weight loss pill. Data from the phase two trial will be presented at a future scientific conference or published in a peer-reviewed journal.

[BumRushDaShow]

4. Yes but it has been of major interest because the current "blockbuster" weight loss drugs are injections

and not pills, and the latter would be preferable for the needle-phobic. It's anticipated that their 1x day pill will continue on...