| New Obesity Drug Raising Eyebrows | Dear e-Alert Reader,
Big Pharma’s got its sights set on weight loss again.
AstraZeneca has announced that their new experimental obesity pill, AZD5004, has made it through early trials and is reportedly “safe and tolerable.”
With shares already ticking upward and other players like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly reaping profits from the weight-loss drug frenzy, AstraZeneca seems eager to cash in.
But is this pill really the next great solution for obesity, or just another big player hoping to profit off a worldwide struggle?
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Last year, AstraZeneca licensed AZD5004 from Chinese firm Eccogene in a deal worth up to $2 billion.
Now, they’re speeding ahead with Phase II trials to determine if the pill actually helps people lose weight. So far, AstraZeneca says the drug is “safe and tolerable,” but the details raise questions.
In a small Phase I trial, AZD5004 was given to 72 participants, including healthy, non-obese people and a few with type 2 diabetes.
While the early results were promising enough to move into Phase II, the usual side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs—like nausea and vomiting—showed up here as well. Think of it as a less intense version of the injectable options like Wegovy, but with similar downsides.
Sharon Barr, AstraZeneca’s R&D lead, claims the pill could have “fewer side effects” than injectables. But as with all drugs in this class, it works by slowing digestion and reducing hunger, which can cause the body to feel a bit out of sync. Are nausea and vomiting simply part of the package with any GLP-1 drug? Time will tell.
AstraZeneca’s CEO Pascal Soriot himself admitted that they’re “a few years behind” competitors like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, whose blockbuster weight-loss drugs have been highly profitable.
And while AstraZeneca’s new pill is touted as a convenient, once-a-day option, it still leaves us wondering if Big Pharma is simply racing to cash in on the trend rather than focusing on long-term health solutions.
Yes, medications are sometimes necessary, especially for those with complex health issues that make weight loss incredibly challenging. But let’s not forget that lifestyle changes—though not as “instant” as a pill—are proven to be safer and longer-lasting for most people.
The risk with these new drugs is that they could be seen as a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Early reports mention no “serious adverse events” in the trial, which may sound reassuring. But it’s crucial to remember that long-term effects are still a mystery. Even AstraZeneca’s Phase I trial involved only a small sample size and short-term results. And while nausea and vomiting might seem like minor side effects, the cumulative impact on overall health, especially for those with other conditions, remains unknown.
For now, it’s clear AstraZeneca is banking on making their obesity pill the next big thing. They’ve also released data on two other obesity drugs in development—one targeting the pancreas hormone amylin, which affects hunger, and another that combines GLP-1 and glucagon for added appetite control.
But here’s the reality: without long-term studies on these drugs and their effects on our bodies, it’s a gamble. Do we really know what this new pill does in the long run? And at what cost to overall health?
This latest announcement will surely make waves, but it’s important to approach with caution. Yes, the drug may show promise, but it’s not a free pass to skip the hard work of lifestyle changes. Diet, exercise, and proper sleep remain foundational to health—and are often far safer than a pharmaceutical quick fix.
So, if you or someone you know is considering the new wave of obesity drugs, remember to weigh the risks and benefits. Pills may have their place, but there’s often no replacement for sustainable, lifestyle-driven health changes.
Until next time—keeping you informed and cautious!
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Click here to get the “skinny” on Big Pharma’s weight loss scheme.
Sources:
Fick, M. (2024, November 4). AstraZeneca Says Experimental Obesity Pill Safe in Early-stage Trial. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/astrazeneca-says-experimental-obesity-pill-safe-early-stage-2024a1000k46
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