Zealand Pharma's GLP-1/GLP-2 Dual Agonist Dapiglutide Shows Promise in Weight Loss Study

Zealand Pharma has reported encouraging results from a Phase Ib multiple-ascending dose study of its investigational obesity therapy, dapiglutide. The GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor dual agonist demonstrated significant weight loss potential, adding to the company's growing obesity pipeline.

Impressive Weight Loss Results

In the latest part of the Phase Ib study, dapiglutide reduced body weight by an average of 11.6% after 28 weeks of treatment. This result was observed in a cohort of 30 patients who received weekly doses of up to 26 mg of the peptide-based asset. In contrast, patients in the placebo group lost only 0.2% of their body weight over the same period.

The study design is noteworthy, as it did not require participants to implement lifestyle modifications, including changes in diet or exercise. This suggests that the observed weight loss can be primarily attributed to the effects of dapiglutide.

Safety Profile and Patient Characteristics

Zealand Pharma reported that dapiglutide was well-tolerated, with no severe or serious treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) recorded. Side effects were consistent with the incretin class of therapies and were mostly mild or moderate in severity. However, two participants discontinued treatment due to TEAEs, one of which was related to gastrointestinal events.

It's important to note that the study population had some atypical characteristics. The vast majority (93%) of participants were male, and the baseline body weight was relatively low at 91.9 kg. These factors may have influenced the results, potentially underestimating the drug's true weight-loss potential.

Expanding Obesity Pipeline and Strategic Partnerships

The positive results for dapiglutide further strengthen Zealand Pharma's position in the competitive obesity drug market. The company's obesity pipeline is anchored by another promising candidate, the amylin analog petrelintide, which is currently in Phase IIb development for overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

In a significant move earlier this year, Roche invested heavily in Zealand's obesity program. The pharmaceutical giant paid $1.65 billion upfront and committed to potential milestone payments of up to $2.4 billion to gain access to petrelintide. This partnership involves co-development and co-commercialization rights, with profits and losses to be split equally between the two companies in the U.S. and Europe.