Metsera's Amylin Analog Shows Promise in Weight Loss Study, Advancing Competitive Landscape

Metsera, a rising player in the pharmaceutical industry, has reported encouraging results from a phase 1 study of its amylin analog MET-233i, potentially positioning the company as a formidable competitor in the increasingly crowded weight loss drug market.

Impressive Weight Loss Results

In a recent clinical trial involving 80 non-diabetic individuals with obesity or overweight, Metsera's MET-233i demonstrated significant efficacy. Participants receiving five weekly 1.2-mg doses experienced a placebo-adjusted weight loss of 8.4% by Day 36. Single doses up to 2.4 mg achieved placebo-adjusted weight loss of up to 5.3% at Day 8.

These results appear competitive with other amylin analogs in development. Zealand Pharma's petrelintide showed placebo-adjusted weight loss of up to 6.9% after 16 weeks, while Novo Nordisk's cagrilintide achieved 5.9% at Week 16. However, it's important to note that cross-trial comparisons can be misleading due to differences in study design and duration.

Favorable Pharmacokinetic Profile and Tolerability

Metsera reported a half-life of 19 days for MET-233i, which the company claims is the "most durable pharmacokinetic profile of any amylin analog in clinical development reported to date." This extended half-life could potentially support monthly dosing, a significant advantage in patient convenience and adherence.

Despite the absence of dose titration in the trial, gastrointestinal adverse events were reported as mild, dose-dependent, and primarily confined to the first week of dosing. Tolerability at the anticipated MET-233i starting doses was described as placebo-like, suggesting a potentially favorable side effect profile.

Strategic Positioning and Future Plans

Metsera's development of MET-233i comes amid surging interest in amylin analogs from major pharmaceutical companies. Recent months have seen significant investments in this class of drugs, including AbbVie's $350 million upfront payment for a phase 1 prospect and Roche's $1.65 billion deal for co-development rights to Zealand Pharma's candidate.

Metsera is advancing its program with plans for a combination therapy. The company is developing a GLP-1 drug candidate that could also support monthly dosing, potentially enabling a once-monthly combination treatment. Data from a study testing co-administration of the amylin and GLP-1 candidates is expected early next year.

Additionally, Metsera aims to deliver data from a MET-233i monotherapy trial late this year. This study will test the effect of 12 weekly doses of MET-233i with dose titration, followed by exposure-matched monthly doses, providing further insights into the drug's efficacy and dosing strategy.

As the weight loss drug market continues to evolve rapidly, Metsera's progress with MET-233i represents a significant development in the pharmaceutical landscape, potentially offering patients and healthcare providers a new and effective treatment option in the future.