GlobalData forecasts that GLP-1 receptor agonist sales for the type 2 diabetes and obesity markets will reach more than $125bn in 2033. Image Credit: dimid_86 / Shutterstock.

Chinese pharmaceutical company Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals has released Phase IIb data for its glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist GZR18 injection.

The GZR18 injection demonstrated a mean weight loss of 11.15%, 13.22%, 14.25%, and 17.29% from baseline with bi-weekly doses of 12mg, 18mg, 24mg, and 48mg, respectively, at 30 weeks. The placebo-controlled Phase IIb trial (CTR20231695) evaluated the GZR18 injection in 340 participants who were either obese or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity.

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GLP-1 obesity therapies have been dubbed “wonder drugs” and have generated billions in sales. GlobalData forecasts that GLP-1 receptor agonist sales for the type 2 diabetes and obesity markets will reach more than $125bn in 2033.

GlobalData is the parent company of Clinical Trials Arena.

Weight loss therapies like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) have been increasing in popularity recently. The therapies have generated billions in sales, Novo Nordisk’s obesity drugs, Wegovy and Saxenda (liraglutide), generated DKr41.6bn ($6bn) in combined global sales in 2023, as per the company’s Q4 financials.

The Phase IIb trial also evaluated a once-weekly dose of 24mg GZR18 injection. The once-weekly GRZ18 group demonstrated a weight loss of 17.78% at 30 weeks while the placebo group only achieved a weight loss of 0.99%. Gan & Lee added that there was no significant difference in the mean percent change in body weight between the groups who received once weekly and the 48mg bi-weekly doses.

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The biweekly GZR18 injections were safe and well tolerated. Commonly observed side effects included mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms. The Chinese company plans to publish the detailed results from the trial later this year.

Another GLP-1 receptor agonist that has made waves in recent months is Roche’s oral GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, CT-388. Roche added the drug to its portfolio as part of the $2.7bn acquisition of Carmot Therapeutics. The participants in the CT-388 group of the Phase Ib trial (NCT04838405) achieved a mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8% at 24 weeks.

Pfizer is also evaluating a GLP-1 agonist danuglipron for obesity management. The company is evaluating the therapy in a Phase II trial (NCT06153758).