Structure Therapeutics and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals have announced new data on their weight loss drugs, with Structure reporting a "competitive profile" for its investigational GLP-1 pill. According to BMO Capital Markets, the candidate showed a 16.3% weight loss after 44 weeks in a Phase 2 trial, comparing favorably to Eli Lilly’s orforglipron and Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy. In contrast, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals reported that its drug Imcivree did not meet expectations in a Phase 3 basket trial targeting various genetically driven obesities.
The significance of these developments lies in the ongoing competition among pharmaceutical companies to develop effective treatments for obesity, an area of high demand and public health interest.
Outside clinical trials, Eli Lilly issued a warning about the safety risks associated with compounded versions of tirzepatide—marketed as Zepbound for obesity and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk also faced regulatory scrutiny after receiving an FDA warning letter regarding its handling of adverse events linked to its diabetes drug Ozempic. The letter cited failures to investigate reports, including three deaths potentially related to the medication. This comes amid financial challenges for Novo Nordisk's controlling shareholder, Novo Holdings, which experienced a significant drop in total assets under management.
On the regulatory front, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to change vaccine policy have stalled following a decision by Massachusetts District Court Judge Brian Murphy. Murphy found that Kennedy’s attempt last June to remove members from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was likely unlawful. This follows increased pressure from White House officials urging health leaders to address vaccine skepticism.
Additional regulatory news includes Senator Ron Johnson launching an investigation into recent Food and Drug Administration rejections of rare disease drugs. Transparency concerns have also emerged regarding biologics chief Vinay Prasad’s upcoming departure from the agency and his request for anonymity during media briefings about gene therapy developments.
In business news within biopharma, some experts predict conditions are favorable for major pharmaceutical mergers while others expect continued activity among mid-sized companies. Johnson & Johnson currently leads pharma revenue rankings, with Eli Lilly closing in due to its expanding obesity treatment portfolio.
