Novo Nordisk Plans to Launch New Weight-Loss Drug CagriSema, Targeting at Least 25% Body Weight Reduction and Mitigating Rebound After Discontinuation

Source: Wall Street CN

CagriSema combines semaglutide and amylin, and is expected to achieve a 25% weight loss — the best efficacy in history. Compared with the previous generation of weight-loss drug Wegovy, it does not bring additional side effects and is expected to alleviate gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

　　Novo NordiskRevolutionary weight-loss therapy CagriSema to be launched soon!

According to media reports, Novo Nordisk is turning to the development of new GLP-1-based drugs to maintain its leading position in the weight-loss drug market.The product, named CagriSema, is expected to achieve at least a 25% weight loss effect without causing additional side effects compared to the previous generation of weight-loss drug Wegovy.

Novo Nordisk stated that CagriSema will effectively address the issue of "weight regain after discontinuation" and become the most effective weight-loss drug to date, with its efficacy for type 2 diabetes still under exploration.

New Weight Loss Therapy on the Horizon, Market Poised for Major Changes?

As a GLP-1 class drug, Novo Nordisk's previous generation weight-loss medication, Wegovy, works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone naturally produced in the human body after eating.Eli LillyThe popular weight-loss drug Zepbound (also known as Mounjaro) also targets GLP-1 but additionally incorporates a second hormone, GIP.

In order to keep up with this trend, Novo Nordisk's planned launch of CagriSema this time also combines two gut hormones: one is the long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide, and the other is the long-acting amylin analog cagrilintide.

Matthias Tschöp, CEO of Helmholtz Munich and one of the scientists behind the multi-receptor therapy foundation, stated,Patients taking this dual-action drug typically lose more weight than those taking GLP-1 alone, without experiencing more side effects.

Tschöp explained that the reason for launching drugs with more significant weight-loss effects is that for patients with severe obesity, a 15% to 20% weight reduction is still insufficient to help them摆脱肥胖状态.

Furthermore, there is substantial documentation indicating that GLP-1 class drugs can cause gastrointestinal side effects including but not limited to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As a result, major pharmaceutical companies are seeking alternative solutions with fewer complications.

It is reported that amylin is a hormone related to hunger and satiety, and CagriSema aims to provide better weight loss and blood sugar reduction effects by combining these two components.

Return of the King or Struggle to Recapture Glory? Launch of CagriSema Still Under Pressure

Currently, although Novo Nordisk dominates the market share in the weight-loss drug market, it is at a disadvantage in terms of the efficacy of weight-loss drugs.

Reportedly, at the highest dose efficacy, Eli Lilly's Zepbound can achieve approximately 21% weight loss, while Novo Nordisk's Wegovy only reaches about 15% efficacy.

Therefore, there is a view that,If CagriSema ultimately achieves a 25% weight loss effect, it will give Novo Nordisk a key advantage in the weight loss drug market.

However, due to the weaker-than-expected market performance of Eli Lilly's Zepbound, it may put pressure on Novo Nordisk. Last week, affected by the poor sales of Zepbound, Eli Lilly's Q3 revenue and profits both fell short of expectations. The company also lowered its full-year financial guidance, causing its stock price to plummet by 12% at one point.

In addition, CagriSema is also facing obstacles to production.

Gareth Powell, head of healthcare at Polar Capital, pointed out that compounds like CagriSema, which combine "amylin + GLP-1," require a large amount of drug components to produce, making them potentially less attractive.

Moreover, it is reported that since the two drug components of CagriSema need to be kept separate before injection, Novo Nordisk also needs to develop an injection pen with a dual-chamber design, which implies a more complex manufacturing process and higher costs.

Amylin Becomes the New Generation Target of Weight Loss Drugs

As previously mentioned, Novo Nordisk's new generation weight-loss drug CagriSema has, for the first time, incorporated the amylin analog Cagrilintide to achieve better weight reduction effects.

Henrik Sillesen, Chief Medical Officer of health analytics company Airfinity Ltd., pointed out,Following GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, amylin has become the next significant target being actively explored in the field of weight loss.

Zealand CEO Adam Steensberg also stated that taking amylin is gentler compared to GLP-1 drugs, which may suppress the patient's appetite.Amylin, on the other hand, helps patients maintain a feeling of fullness for a longer period.

In response to the nausea, vomiting and other side effects caused by previous weight-loss drugs, amylin is also expected to bring new solutions.

Professor Thomas Lutz from the University of Zurich, who has long been engaged in amylin research, pointed out that current studies indicate amylin and GLP-1 may act on different primary targets in the brain——Means that amylin is less likely to cause side effects such as nausea.

Barclays analyst Emily Field commented:

"It's almost as if amylin, when combined with anything, may have the potential of one plus one equaling three."

"If the trial proceeds smoothly, CagriSema is expected to enter the market in 2026."

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Editor: Li Tong