Structure Therapeutics saw a significant surge in its stock price, rising over 30%, following positive results from an early-stage trial of its experimental obesity pill. The once-daily drug demonstrated success in helping overweight or obese participants achieve an average weight loss of up to 10 pounds after four weeks of treatment. The pill belongs to the same class of drugs as Novo Nordisk’s widely popular diabetes drug, Ozempic, and its weight loss counterpart, Wegovy.
GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy have gained popularity for their effectiveness in aiding weight loss by mimicking a gut hormone to suppress appetite. Structure Therapeutics aims to tap into the growing obesity drug market, which analysts predict could reach $100 billion globally by the end of the decade.
The success of Structure’s pill could pose competition for other oral obesity drugs currently awaiting approval in the U.S., including offerings from Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer. The entry of more convenient and cost-effective pill versions of GLP-1 agonists may enhance patient access and expand the market for obesity drugs.
In addition to the potential for increased accessibility, oral obesity drugs are generally easier to manufacture than injectables, reducing the likelihood of supply shortages. The obesity treatment market has seen a surge in demand, and the introduction of more convenient and cost-effective options could further boost the industry’s growth.
While the list prices of injectable GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Ozempic exceed $1,000 per monthly package, the pricing for oral alternatives remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the success of Structure Therapeutics in the early trial has positioned the company as a player in the competitive and evolving obesity drug market.
Read More: https://eurohealthleaders.com/
