阿斯利康全球执行副总裁、生物制药研发负责人Sharon Barr补充道，正如使用这种小分子药物所预期的那样，“恶心和呕吐的发生率会随着剂量增加而增加。”①Astrazeneca reported that its oral small molecule weight loss drug AZD5004/ECC5004 reduced the average body weight of patients by 5.8% within four weeks in early studies, and exhibited good tolerability; ②Astrazeneca acquired the global exclusive rights to a drug from Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical last year for $2 billion, which is currently in the clinical research stage.
Caixin Media News on November 5th (Editor Hao Zhao), local time (November 4th), $AstraZeneca (AZN.US)$ Reported research data on its oral small molecule weight loss drug at the ObesityWeek conference in the usa.
The report showed that in an early study, Astrazeneca's once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist AZD5004/ECC5004 resulted in an average weight loss of 5.8% in patients within four weeks, and demonstrated good tolerability.
Astrazeneca's Global Executive Vice President and Head of Biopharmaceutical Research and Development, Sharon Barr, added that as expected with the use of this small molecule drug, "the incidence of nausea and vomiting increases with dose escalation."
Last year, Astrazeneca agreed to pay $2 billion to acquire the "global exclusive rights" to develop and commercialize ECC5004 from Chinese biopharmaceutical company Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical, which is why the drug is named "AZD5004/ECC5004".
Source: Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Official Website
AZD5004/ECC5004 is a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist in clinical research for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiovascular metabolic diseases. Two weeks ago, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical announced receiving a $60 million milestone payment from Astrazeneca.
At that time, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical mentioned that two global Phase 2b multicenter trials had begun dosing. Barr stated in the press release, "Accelerating AZD5004 is a top priority, as patients need new solutions to address the serious risks of these interconnected diseases."
Analysts believe that astrazeneca hopes to establish itself in the obesity drug market, which is currently dominated by eli lilly and co and novo-nordisk's weight loss injections. Compared to injections, taking pills should be more attractive to patients.
Pascal Soriot, the global CEO of astrazeneca, stated that the company aims to introduce cheaper weight loss drugs to the market. These drugs are easier to take compared to current products and help maintain muscle mass.
Soriot also mentioned that astrazeneca's weight loss products may be used in combination with the company's other drugs, such as the kidney failure drug Farxiga.
Although the data unveiled by astrazeneca during 'Obesity Week' comes from small early studies, Barr pointed out that this indicates oral GLP-1 can be used as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with other small molecules.
Barr mentioned that no patients dropped out of the trial, and the company will increase the dosage of the drug in subsequent studies. She also emphasized that the weight loss effects of the drug are impressive for type 2 diabetes patients.
viking therapeutics also presented trial reports at the conference, showing that their oral medication can enhance weight loss effects in patients at higher doses.
