Pfizer Halts Development of Lotiglipron Due to Liver Enzyme Elevations in Clinical Trials

Intelligent Finance APP learned that Pfizer (PFE.US) announced on Monday that it would stop developing an experimental obesity and diabetes drug, lotiglipron, due to elevated liver enzymes observed in clinical studies. Pfizer stated that it will focus on developing another weight-loss drug, danuglipron, for which the mid-term trial has completed enrollment of all participants. None of these participants reported liver-related symptoms or side effects, there was no evidence of liver failure, and no one required treatment.

Like other pharmaceutical manufacturers, Pfizer has been developing weight-loss therapies for patients with diabetes and obesity. By 2030, the global market for weight-loss drugs is expected to reach $100 billion.

Pfizer reported data on danuglipron last month, showing that in a mid-stage study of type 2 diabetes patients, danuglipron's weight loss effects were similar to Novo Nordisk's (NVO.US) Ozempic.

As of press time, Pfizer's pre-market fell by 1.96% to $37.55.