Pfizer halts development of weight-loss drug

  Pfizer has announced the discontinuation of its experimental oral weight-loss drug, Danogliptin, after a trial participant suffered liver injury potentially linked to the medication, stopping after the patient stopped taking the drug.

The company was testing the drug at multiple doses, taken once daily, following the abandonment of a twice-daily version in late 2023, which was dropped due to frequent nausea, vomiting, and other side effects that led most patients to withdraw mid-trial.

Danogliptin was positioned as a potential contender in the lucrative weight-loss drug market, which has garnered significant interest from pharmaceutical companies and investors. The market is projected to reach $150 billion in sales in the coming years.

Several companies are developing oral weight-loss medications, driven by the success of injectable drugs targeting the gut hormone GLP-1.Eli Lilly is expected to announce phase III trial results for its oral drug, Orforglipron, soon.

Evan Seigerman, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets, noted that Pfizer’s decision to halt Danogliptin’s development resets the company’s obesity drug pipeline, as its other obesity treatments are all in early stages of clinical testing.