Merck Focuses on Small Molecule Oral Therapies to Expand in Cardiometabolic and Weight Loss Markets

Intelligent Finance APP learned that Merck (MRK.US) said on Tuesday that the company is focusing on opportunities in the second and third generation cardiometabolic drug markets, including weight loss therapies. Merck CEO Robert Davis said at the Goldman Sachs Global Healthcare Conference: "We are considering more about small molecule oral drugs rather than injectables. This is the preferred route."

MSD hopes to gain additional potential benefits in weight loss treatment through well-tolerated drug combinations.

Davis's comments on Tuesday echoed those from January, when he said that demonstrating efficacy for conditions beyond cardiovascular, diabetes, and weight control would make the drug more likely to be reimbursed by insurance.

It is estimated that by the early 2030s, the global annual sales of the weight-loss drug market will reach approximately $150 billion, currently dominated by Novo Nordisk's (NVO.US) Wegovy and Eli Lilly's (LLY.US) Zepbound, both of which belong to the GLP-1 class of drugs.

GLP-1 Drugs Reduce Hunger by Inducing Satiety, and Pharmaceutical Companies Are Currently Investigating Whether They Can Improve Health in Other Ways.

MSD said earlier this year that it is seeking other efficacies of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss. The pharmaceutical company has developed Efinopegdutide, a new GLP-1R/GCGR dual-target drug for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

The company said last year that the experimental drug showed "compelling" weight loss effects.