drugs in oral form

Danuglipron

ByKeerio

The new study finds that Pfizer’s oral diabetes drug (Danuglipron) performs better than Novo Nordisk’s injection in terms of weight loss

The overview of the company:

Pfizer Inc. is a leading global pharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. With a focus on research, development, and marketing of prescription drugs, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products, Pfizer is committed to improving global health. The company operates in various therapeutic areas and collaborates with partners worldwide. Pfizer’s mission is to develop innovative medicines and healthcare solutions to positively impact patients’ lives and address public health challenges.


Pfizer, the renowned pharmaceutical company, has recently garnered attention with its promising oral type II diabetes candidate, danuglipron. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network, danuglipron has demonstrated notable weight loss benefits compared to Novo Nordisk’s popular diabetes injection, Ozempic. The study’s findings shed light on the potential of Pfizer’s oral drug in aiding weight loss efforts among diabetes patients.

Study Highlights:


The phase II study, conducted by Pfizer, involved 411 adults and aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of danuglipron. The results revealed that the drug not only effectively reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at all tested dose levels but also led to significant weight loss. Patients treated with danuglipron lost an average of 10 pounds over a 16-week period, surpassing the weight loss achieved by Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic in a similar study, which showed a weight loss of approximately 9.9 pounds over 30 weeks.

Key Differences:


The study highlighted several notable differences between danuglipron and Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic. While both drugs demonstrated weight loss benefits, danuglipron showed faster weight reduction within a shorter timeframe. Moreover,, it is in oral form, a small molecule glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, eliminating the need for subcutaneous injections required by currently available GLP-1R agonists. Additionally, this drug did not impose any fasting restrictions, unlike some existing treatments.

Implications and Future Prospects:


Pfizer’s promising findings present a potential game-changer in the field of diabetes treatment. By offering an oral alternative that not only effectively manages diabetes but also aids in weight loss, this drug may provide patients with a more convenient and accessible option. The study’s outcomes support the development of danuglipron as a viable solution for individuals with type II diabetes who struggle with weight management.

The drug, Danuglipron, is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is an oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist that helps in glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes. By acting on the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor, Danuglipron stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, and slows down gastric emptying, thereby improving blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed as a therapeutic option to manage and control blood glucose levels in patients with this condition.

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the oral small molecule glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, Danuglipron, for glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Fasting restriction refers to a practice of voluntarily abstaining from consuming food or drink for a specific period of time. It is commonly done for various reasons, including religious or spiritual purposes, health benefits, and weight management. Fasting can involve complete abstinence from all food and beverages or may allow certain exceptions, such as water or specific types of liquids. The duration and specific guidelines of fasting can vary depending on cultural, religious, or personal preferences.

For example

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting, refraining from eating or drinking from dawn until sunset. However, if you are insulin-dependent, fasting may not be recommended because it can lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Hypoglycemia can be dangerous and may require regular intake of food and insulin adjustments to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. It is important for individuals with diabetes who require insulin to consult with their healthcare provider before fasting to ensure their safety and well-being.

Yes, according to the study, at higher doses of Danuglipron (120 mg once daily, 120 mg twice daily, and 200 mg once daily), the proportion of participants experiencing nausea increased in weeks 3 and 4 compared to weeks 1 and 2.

Dr. Saxena reported being a coinventor of Danuglipron and holding stocks in Pfizer. Dr. Frias received grants and personal fees from Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies. Ms. Brown, Dr. Gorman, Dr. Tsamandouras, and Dr. Birnbaum also reported holding stocks in Pfizer or receiving consulting fees from the company.

Yes, the article is open access and distributed under the terms of the CC-BY-NC-ND License.

The study was sponsored by Pfizer, the manufacturer of Danuglipron, and authors from Pfizer contributed to the design, analysis, and interpretation of the data.

The article acknowledges the participants, investigators, and study site personnel involved in the clinical development program of Danuglipron. Medical writing support was provided by a contracted medical writer funded by Pfizer.

Source:

Saxena, A. R., Frias, J. P., Brown, L. S., Gorman, D. N., et al. (2023). Efficacy and Safety of Oral Small Molecule Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist Danuglipron for Glycemic Control Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 6(5), e2805054. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.14493.

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The article provided focuses on the topic mentioned in the heading and is intended for informational purposes only. It is important for readers to conduct further research and verify the authenticity of the information provided, particularly when it comes to matters related to ethnicity or specific cultural contexts. The article serves as a starting point for exploration and understanding, but readers should independently verify facts and seek additional sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.