The weight loss drug market may soon get more crowded – here are the companies trying to enter the booming space

Biotech
Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 8:54 pm EDT

Key Points

  • Market Overview and Demand Growth: The weight loss drug market is gaining significant attention due to its potential value in the tens of billions within the next decade. The demand for weight loss drugs is expected to grow, creating opportunities for both established and lesser-known players. Goldman Sachs analysts predict that 15 million U.S. adults will be on obesity medications by 2030, indicating a substantial market size.
  • Lesser-Known Entrants: While Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly currently dominate the weight loss drug market, smaller and lesser-known companies are vying for a share. Boehringer Ingelheim, in collaboration with Zealand Pharma, is advancing a drug called survodutide, targeting both GLP-1 and glucagon. Terns Pharmaceuticals is developing an oral weight loss drug focusing on GLP-1, with early-stage trial results expected in the second half of 2024. Other contenders include Viking Therapeutics, Structure Therapeutics, and more.
  • Future Strategies and Potential Players: Large pharmaceutical companies, such as Sanofi and Bayer, are signaling their potential entry into the weight loss drug market. Sanofi, despite a past failure in a mid-stage trial, is exploring “next-generation” weight loss drugs with potential advantages. Bayer is considering partnerships rather than entering the obesity market independently. This points to a dynamic landscape with both established and emerging players competing to address the growing demand for effective weight loss medications.

The weight loss drug market, anticipated to be worth tens of billions in the next decade, is drawing significant interest from pharmaceutical companies. While Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly dominate this space, the surge in demand has prompted other players to join the race. Beyond well-known contenders like Pfizer, Amgen, Roche, and AstraZeneca, smaller entities are emerging. Boehringer Ingelheim, in collaboration with Zealand Pharma, is advancing a drug called survodutide, targeting GLP-1 and glucagon. Terns Pharmaceuticals is conducting early trials for an oral weight loss drug focusing on GLP-1. Viking Therapeutics and Structure Therapeutics are also in the fray, developing drugs that target GLP-1 and GIP. While Viking anticipates mid-stage trial data in H1 2024, Structure Therapeutics is aiming for results in Q2 2024 and plans a larger mid-stage study in H2 2024. Larger companies like Sanofi and Bayer are signaling potential entries, exploring the development of next-generation weight loss drugs. Analysts expect 15 million U.S. adults to be on obesity medications by 2030, providing a significant window of opportunity for new entrants.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/17/weight-loss-drugs-boehringer-ingelheim-terns-viking-may-join-market.html