Amgen’s obesity drug candidate, MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide, formerly AMG 133), has brought forward promising results in a Phase II clinical trial, sparking hope for a new and effective treatment for obesity. With its innovative design and impressive efficacy, MariTide is positioned as a potential game-changer in the fight against obesity, a condition that has seen its rates more than double globally between 1990 and 2022.
Phase II Study Results
Weight Loss Among Participants
In a notable development, the biotech company announced the findings from a 52-week study that included overweight or obese individuals, both with and without type 2 diabetes. Results from this study revealed that non-diabetic participants experienced an average weight loss of 20%, while diabetic participants saw an average weight loss of approximately 17%. What stands out is that diabetic participants also managed to reduce their hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels by up to 2.2 percentage points by the end of the study period, marking a significant improvement.
Furthermore, the study did not indicate a plateau in weight loss, suggesting that further reductions in weight could potentially occur beyond the 52-week period. This finding is particularly noteworthy as it implies a sustained and progressive weight loss trajectory for those on MariTide, a welcome feature for any weight-loss regimen.
Cardiometabolic Improvements
Apart from the weight loss outcomes, MariTide also demonstrated noteworthy improvements in cardiometabolic parameters among participants. The drug showed positive changes in blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, all of which are critical indicators of cardiovascular health. Importantly, these benefits were achieved without adverse effects on free fatty acids or bone mineral density, areas of concern in many weight-loss treatments.
One of the remarkable aspects of MariTide is its delivery method. The drug is administered via a single-dose, handheld device, requiring dosing as infrequently as monthly. This convenience in dosing could potentially enhance compliance among patients, making it easier for individuals to stick with their treatment regimen.
MariTide’s Role in Addressing Obesity
Global Obesity Crisis
Obesity remains a significant public health challenge, with far-reaching consequences for individuals and healthcare systems alike. The condition significantly raises the risk of several serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and various cardiovascular diseases. The need for effective treatments is underscored by the fact that, as of 2022, 42.5% of adults in the United States are living with obesity, and globally, 890 million adults were classified as obese.
Amgen is steadfast in advancing its obesity pipeline, which includes both oral and injectable drugs targeting incretin and non-incretin mechanisms. MariTide, in particular, is a bispecific glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) antagonist. Preclinical studies have suggested that the combination of GLP-1 activation and GIP inhibition holds a stronger potential for weight loss than targeting these pathways individually, and it may reduce the likelihood of weight rebound after treatment.
Future Prospects and the MARITIME Phase III Program
Amgen’s obesity drug candidate, MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide, formerly AMG 133), has shown very promising results in a Phase II clinical trial, bringing new hope for a highly effective obesity treatment. MariTide represents a potential breakthrough due to its innovative design and significant efficacy, standing out as a possible game-changer in addressing obesity. This condition, which has become a major global health issue, has seen its prevalence more than double from 1990 to 2022. The need for new treatments has never been more urgent, considering the associated health risks like diabetes, heart disease, and a higher mortality rate. Traditional weight-loss methods, such as diet and exercise, often fall short for many individuals. Thus, MariTide could offer a much-needed alternative. The positive Phase II trial results are encouraging, suggesting that MariTide may help address the obesity epidemic more effectively than current options. If successful in further trials, MariTide could meet the growing demand for safer, more efficient weight-loss solutions.
