ADA Conference Highlights GLP-1 Data and Continued Weight Loss Impacts

The American Diabetes Association's 85th Conference wraps up today in Chicago (6/20 - 6/23). A few important highlights:

1. China is catching up in the obesity space. GLP-1/GIP molecules that achieve weight loss similar to tirzepatide, an antibody targeting GLP-1/GIP/PCSK9/GCGR (yes, all at once), and dual or triple target candidates not far behind.

   
   

   

   Chinese candidates will be entering global trials in the next few years and seem likely to present interesting investment opportunities for US companies looking to get into the obesity space, similar to how M&A of Chinese companies has increased in oncology in recent years.

2. Data on Amylin analog candidates was highly anticipated heading into ADA this year. From LLY and NVO presentations, the mechanism seems to work well at making people lose weight, but it is far from perfect. Its principal mechanism is still reducing appetite and resulting caloric restriction, which negatively impacts muscle mass and the durability of its effect once patients stop taking the drug, which seems likely to look similar to GLP-1s. NVO and LLY both presented data on their amylin candidates, both have AE profiles like a GLP-1 and both showed good weight loss. So far, no clear differentiation on the outcomes for patients between amylin and GLP-1 or combo approaches, so longer follow-up and more data is needed to elucidate how the amylin approach might be used as part of a physician’s obesity toolkit.

   
   

This article, Combo Semaglutide-Amylin Analogue Boosts Weight Loss Regardless of Diabetes | MedPage Today, breaks down the research on the Amylin analogue and its boost of weight loss regardless of diabetes in the patient.