AstraZeneca Reports Early Trial Data Showing Oral Weight-Loss Drug AZD5004/ECC5004 Led to 5.8% Average Weight Reduction in Four Weeks

Source: Cailian Press

Local time (November 4), the United KingdomAstraZenecaThe company reported the research data of its oral small molecule weight loss drug at the ObesityWeek conference in the United States.

The report shows that in an early study, AstraZeneca's once-daily oral GLP1 receptor agonist "AZD5004/ECC5004" reduced patients' average weight by 5.8% within four weeks and demonstrated good tolerability.

Sharon Barr, Executive Vice President of AstraZeneca Global and Head of Biopharmaceuticals R&D, added, "As expected with this small molecule drug, the incidence of nausea and vomiting increases with dose escalation."

Last year, AstraZeneca agreed to pay $2 billion fromChina BiopharmaceuticalsAstraZeneca has obtained the "global exclusive rights" for the development and commercialization of ECC5004 from Eccogene, which is why the drug is named "AZD5004/ECC5004".

AZD5004/ECC5004 is a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist currently in clinical research for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases. Two weeks ago, Chengyi Bio announced it had received a $60 million milestone payment from AstraZeneca.

At the time, Eternity Biotech mentioned that two global Phase 2b multicenter trials had begun dosing. Barr stated in the press release, "Advancing AZD5004 rapidly is a top priority because patients need new solutions to address the serious risks posed by these interconnected diseases."

Analysis suggests that AstraZeneca aims to establish a strong presence in the obesity drug market, which is currently dominated byEli LillyAndNovo NordiskThe weight-loss injections of the two companies dominate. Compared with injections, taking pills should be more attractive to patients.

AstraZeneca's Global CEO Pascal Soriot stated that the company hopes to bring cheaper weight-loss drugs to the market, which are easier to take compared to current products and help maintain muscle mass.

Pascal Soriot also mentioned that AstraZeneca's weight-loss products might be used in combination with other drugs from the company, such as Farxiga for kidney failure.

Although the data AstraZeneca presented at "Obesity Week" came from a small, early-stage study, Barr noted that it suggests oral GLP-1 could be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other small molecules.

Barr mentioned that no patients withdrew from the trial, and the company will increase the drug's dosage in subsequent studies. She also emphasized that the drug's weight-loss effects are impressive for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Viking Therapeutics also presented a trial report at the conference, showing data that its oral medication can enhance weight loss effects in patients at higher doses.