Pfizer pulls plug on weight-loss pill, citing trial concerns

Investing.com -- Shares of Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) dipped 1.5% as the pharmaceutical giant announced the discontinuation of its drug candidate danuglipron, which was under investigation for chronic weight management.

Pfizer said the decision came after a comprehensive review of clinical data and recent regulatory feedback, despite the drug meeting key objectives in earlier studies.

The company revealed that its dose-optimization studies for once-daily formulations of danuglipron achieved the main pharmacokinetic goals, suggesting a competitive efficacy and tolerability profile for Phase 3 testing.

However, concerns arose following an incident where a participant experienced potential drug-induced liver injury, which resolved after discontinuing the treatment.

Although such liver enzyme elevations were consistent with other approved drugs in the same class, Pfizer opted to halt further development based on the totality of information available.

“Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases including obesity remain important areas of unmet medical need, and we plan to continue applying our global capabilities to advance a pipeline of investigational treatments that have the potential to fill critical gaps in patient care, including continued development of our oral GIPR antagonist candidate and other earlier obesity programs,” said Chris Boshoff, Chief Scientific Officer and President, Research and Development at Pfizer.

“While we are disappointed to discontinue the development of danuglipron, we remain committed to evaluating and advancing promising programs in an effort to bring innovative new medicines to patients.”

The company plans to share data from the danuglipron clinical development program at a future scientific forum or in a peer-reviewed journal publication. 

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