Advancements in Weight Loss Medications May Reduce Injection Frequency
For millions relying on weight loss drugs, the next significant advancement could be not just enhanced results, but a reduced need for frequent injections.
Pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Amgen are spearheading efforts to develop monthly GLP-1 injections, contrasting with current weekly alternatives like Wegovy and Zepbound. This innovation aims to make adherence to weight-loss regimens more convenient and manageable.
Dr. Christopher McGowan, a gastroenterologist who operates a weight-loss clinic in Cary, North Carolina, emphasizes the challenge of maintaining consistent medication schedules: “The more frequently a drug is administered, the higher the likelihood patients may forget doses or discontinue treatment entirely.”
Dr. John Buse, an endocrinologist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, notes that patients are generally receptive to the prospect of monthly GLP-1 injections. He points out that this method reduces the number of injections from 52 to just 12 annually, which many find appealing.
All GLP-1 medications function on a similar premise, targeting specific receptors to manage blood sugar levels and reduce hunger. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is one such example. However, efforts are underway to broaden the therapeutic capabilities of GLP-1 drugs. Tirzepatide, the active component in Mounjaro and Zepbound, interacts with an additional receptor known as GIP, and Eli Lilly’s experimental drug, Letaltortide, introduces yet another target.
Typically, the active ingredients in these medications are metabolized within about a week, necessitating weekly doses for sustained effectiveness. Pfizer and Amgen are striving to extend the activity period of their new formulations to facilitate monthly dosing.
Pfizer’s experimental drug, berobenatide, achieves this by binding to a blood protein called albumin, allowing for prolonged stability and effectiveness. Preliminary findings presented at the American Diabetes Association’s annual meeting indicate that participants experienced an average weight reduction of 12.3% over 28 weeks. Furthermore, data from a mid-term trial demonstrates that berobenatide aids in blood sugar regulation for patients with type 2 diabetes.
To mitigate potential adverse effects, participants in the weight-loss trial began with a lower dosage, incrementally increasing it over several weeks, first starting with weekly injections before transitioning to a monthly regimen. The trial is set to last 64 weeks, with early reports indicating that side effects are largely comparable to those associated with existing GLP-1 medications.
Amgen is also making strides with its monthly GLP-1 treatment, known as MariTide, currently in late-stage trials. This drug uses antibodies to prolong its action in the body and has shown promising results, including an average weight loss of up to 20% over a year in trials involving 600 adults. Initially, side effects were similar to those of other GLP-1 treatments, primarily gastrointestinal disturbances.
Muriel Veniant-Ellison, from Amgen’s obesity research division, highlights ongoing efforts to determine if MariTide can be administered even less frequently, potentially every two to three months. This research aims not only to tackle obesity but also its associated health concerns such as heart disease and sleep apnea.
While monthly doses could appeal to patients who struggle to maintain a consistent medication schedule, Dr. Susan Spratt, an endocrinologist at Duke Health, cautions that less frequent administration does not automatically equate to being an improved option. She advocates for a careful evaluation of each patient’s circumstances before adjusting their treatment plan.
As scientists continue to refine the strategies for managing obesity, including monthly dosing, patients remain optimistic. Taylor McDaniels, a 25-year-old from Pittsburgh, shares her experience with weekly shots and the difficulties of adherence while traveling. Although she welcomes the potential for more efficient treatment, she acknowledges lingering questions regarding the monthly options, particularly concerning their efficacy and side effects.
