Drugmakers Build Next-Gen GLP-1s to Cut 52 Shots to 13 and Preserve Muscle
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 10
Drugmakers Build Next-Gen GLP-1s to Cut 52 Shots to 13 and Preserve Muscle
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 10
Summary
Pfizer, Amgen, Roche and Boehringer are pushing new GLP-1 obesity drugs that target fewer injections, milder side effects and better muscle retention as current therapies struggle to keep patients on treatment.
About 50% of patients stop GLP-1 therapy within a year, with cost, weekly injections and gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea and constipation all contributing to rebound weight gain risk.
Pfizer is testing a monthly shot that could reduce annual injections from 52 to 13, while Amgen says its antibody combination may cut dosing to just four to six times a year.
Amylin combinations are emerging as a key strategy because they may avoid the stomach-emptying slowdown tied to nausea; Novo applied in December for FDA approval of a GLP-1-amylin drug, and Roche expects human trials this year.
Boehringer reported phase 3 data showing 16.6% weight loss over 72 weeks, with lean mass making up 10.8% of that loss versus 25% to 40% on current drugs, underscoring how the next wave will compete on weight-loss quality, not just scale.