New Monthly Obesity Injection Demonstrates Significant Weight Loss in Clinical Trial

Recent research suggests that innovative treatment options for obesity are emerging, including a monthly injectable drug called MariTide. In a phase 2 clinical trial, participants receiving MariTide experienced an average weight loss of approximately 20% over the course of a year. The study involved nearly 600 adults, some with type 2 diabetes combined with obesity, and others with obesity alone. Participants were administered monthly doses, with some dosing regimens gradually increased over time, while others maintained consistent doses.

The trial results revealed that obese individuals who received MariTide shed up to 20% of their body weight, significantly outperforming the 2.6% weight loss observed in the placebo group. Among those with diabetes, average weight loss was around 17%, compared to just 1.4% in the placebo group. Importantly, the drug also substantially reduced blood sugar levels, with A1C declining by up to 2.2 percentage points, and showed promising heart health benefits by improving blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation markers.

Made by the biotech company Amgen, MariTide incorporates a monoclonal antibody that prolongs the drug’s duration in the body, enabling patients to administer a single dose once a month instead of weekly injections common with other GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Experts have highlighted that this dosing convenience could enhance adherence and overall treatment success, especially for patients managing multiple medications.

While these promising findings are encouraging, most of these next-generation treatments are still under clinical evaluation, with phase 3 trials planned to evaluate longer-term safety and efficacy over 72 weeks. Industry leaders are optimistic, as other company trials on similar drugs demonstrate weight loss ranging from 11% to over 24%, with some candidates also showing potential in preserving lean muscle mass.

In addition to Amgen’s efforts, other pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are advancing their own experimental therapies, including drugs targeting different mechanisms related to appetite regulation and metabolism. Dr. Shauna Levy from the Tulane Bariatric Center emphasized that a variety of effective options is crucial, given the complex nature of obesity. The expanding pipeline of treatments offers hope for more personalized, effective management of this challenging health epidemic.