Eli Lilly's Amylin Analog Shows Promise in Phase 1 Obesity Trial

Eli Lilly has unveiled promising phase 1 data for its amylin analog eloralintide, positioning the pharmaceutical giant as a strong contender in the increasingly competitive obesity treatment market. The results, shared ahead of the American Diabetes Association conference, have impressed analysts and suggest potential for eloralintide to be combined with Lilly's blockbuster drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) to create a market-leading obesity treatment.

Impressive Weight Loss and Tolerability Profile

The phase 1 trial, which enrolled 100 patients, demonstrated significant weight loss across various dose cohorts of eloralintide. After 12 weeks of treatment, weight loss ranged from 2.6% to an impressive 11.3% at the highest dose. Notably, the drug showed a favorable tolerability profile, with relatively low rates of gastrointestinal adverse events compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists. Only 10% of participants experienced diarrhea, with even fewer reporting nausea or vomiting.

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Prakhar Agrawal described the data as "particularly strong," while Jefferies analyst Akash Tewari suggested that a combination of tirzepatide and eloralintide could become the successor to Lilly's current obesity treatment, Zepbound.

Potential for Combination Therapy

Lilly's strategy appears to be focused on developing a combination therapy that could outperform current market offerings. The company has already initiated a phase 1 study combining eloralintide with tirzepatide, which began in April. This approach aligns with industry trends, as exemplified by Novo Nordisk's CagriSema, which combines an amylin analog with the GLP-1 drug semaglutide.

However, questions remain about the long-term efficacy of amylin analogs. Zealand Pharma's CEO, Adam Steensberg, has raised concerns about the durability of Lilly's amylin-selective approach, suggesting that engaging multiple receptors may be necessary for significant and sustained weight loss.

Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook

The obesity treatment market has become increasingly crowded, with major players like AbbVie, Roche, and Novo Nordisk all vying for dominance. Lilly's progress with eloralintide demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining its strong position in the field, following the success of Mounjaro and Zepbound.

As the pharmaceutical industry awaits more detailed data from Lilly's ongoing trials, including the crucial combination study with tirzepatide, the potential for a new generation of highly effective obesity treatments continues to grow. The presentation of full eloralintide data, scheduled for June 22, is expected to provide further insights into the drug's efficacy and safety profile, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in obesity treatment.