` tags:
“`xml
Pfizer is halting the development of its experimental once-a-day obesity pill, even after starting extensive and costly clinical trials.
The pharmaceutical company announced on Tuesday that it will discontinue studies on danuglipron due to a trial participant experiencing a possible liver problem potentially linked to the drug. The issue resolved after the person stopped taking the medication.
Danuglipron was undergoing phase three trials, typically the final stage before a company seeks regulatory approval for a potential treatment.
A Pfizer representative stated that the company intends to continue developing other potential obesity treatments that are in earlier research phases.
have emerged as a highly promising and profitable area for pharmaceutical companies. For example, Eli Lilly and Co.’s Zepbound generated almost $5 billion in revenue in 2024, its first year on the market.
However, leading treatments such as Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy are administered through injections. Drug manufacturers are keen to create an oral pill version for patients who prefer to avoid needles and daily injections.
Lilly researchers anticipate receiving data this year from studies on a couple of potential oral treatments they have been developing.
While these drugs have become bestsellers, many patients have struggled to obtain them due to recent shortages or inconsistent insurance coverage. Although both Lilly and Novo have recently announced price reductions, the treatments can still cost hundreds of dollars per month, making them unaffordable for some individuals without insurance.
Pfizer announced in late 2023 that it would discontinue a twice-daily formulation of danuglipron after more than half of the participants in a clinical trial stopped taking it.
A company spokeswoman said the decision announced Monday meant Pfizer would also stop testing danuglipron in combination with other drugs to treat obesity.
Shares of Pfizer Inc., which is based in New York, increased by 18 cents to $22.09 in morning trading on Monday.
“`