Amgen's MariTide, an experimental obesity drug, has demonstrated promising results in preclinical trials, according to data published in Nature Metabolism. The drug, administered as a monthly injection, led to weight loss and improved metabolic markers in both obese mice and monkeys. In a human phase 1 clinical trial, participants experienced weight loss that persisted for up to five months after their last dose. MariTide's longer half-life allows for extended dosing intervals, and Amgen is gearing up for a phase 2 trial, expecting 52-week data by late 2024. The phase 1 study involved 75 obese subjects, with the drug generally well-tolerated; however, mild gastrointestinal symptoms were reported, and elevated enzymes associated with pancreatic damage were observed in isolated cases.
Unlike competitors in the obesity drug race, MariTide's potential monthly administration and weight loss durability offer a unique advantage. The drug modulates appetite and insulin secretion by targeting receptors for the hormones GLP-1 and GIP. Amgen's ongoing phase 2 trial, with 11 dosing cohorts, aims to provide clarity on the drug's safety, efficacy, and optimal dose for further investigation in phase 3 clinical trials. Amgen's commitment to obesity research extends beyond MariTide, with an additional clinical candidate, AMG 786, and preclinical assets in the pipeline.
