Novo Nordisk: mixed results in obesity

(CercleFinance.com) - Novo Nordisk shares lost over 5% on Friday afternoon on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange following the presentation of mixed Phase 2a clinical data on its new experimental treatment for obesity, Monlunabant.


The trial, conducted over a 16-week period in 243 patients, resulted in an average weight loss of 7.1 kg based on an average weight of 110.1 kg, compared with a reduction of 0.7 kg in the placebo group.

By way of comparison, a phase I clinical trial of Roche's obesity treatment achieved a 'clinically significant' weight reduction of 7.3% in participants at the end of a four-week period, compared with 1.2% for placebo.

In its press release, Novo Nordisk adds that administration of higher doses of Monlunabant resulted in only a 'limited' additional weight reduction.

Several side effects were also noted, ranging from gastrointestinal problems to anxiety, irritability and difficulty sleeping.

These Phase 2a results show the weight-loss potential of monlunabant, but also that more work needs to be done to establish the optimal dose between efficacy and safety," acknowledges Martin Holst Lange, Head of Development at Novo Nordisk.

However, the Danish company is planning to launch a larger Phase 2b trial with a longer duration and a wider population, scheduled to start in 2025.

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