Monthly competitor of Ozempic achieves noteworthy outcomes
In a significant development for the battle against obesity, the results of the Phase II trial for MariTide, an experimental drug developed by Amgen, were presented this week at the annual American Diabetes Association meeting. The findings, which were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicate that MariTide could be a viable alternative to existing treatments, offering sustained weight loss without a plateau for up to 52 weeks.
MariTide, similar to other drugs in the pipeline for obesity treatments, may have its own advantages over today's drugs. The key differences between MariTide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other GLP-1 medications centre on efficacy, frequency of administration, and gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
In terms of efficacy, semaglutide and tirzepatide have demonstrated high potential in reducing blood sugar and promoting weight loss. Semaglutide, for instance, can lead to significant weight loss, with an average loss of 8-10 pounds at 30 weeks with Ozempic, and even greater weight loss with the higher-dose product Wegovy. Tirzepatide, a newer dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown superior efficacy in weight loss and glycemic control compared to semaglutide in clinical trials.
MariTide, while less commonly referenced in publicly available clinical data, is understood to be another peptide medication targeting similar pathways with potentially distinct efficacy profiles. However, specific comparative data on MariTide’s efficacy versus semaglutide or tirzepatide is not widely published.
The frequency of administration is another crucial factor. Semaglutide comes in two main forms: oral semaglutide, which requires daily dosing with strict administration rules, and injectable semaglutide, given once weekly at any time of day without regard to meals. Tirzepatide is administered as a once-weekly injection, while MariTide, as of yet, has an unclear dosing frequency.
GI side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, are common with most GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. These effects are generally dose-dependent and often decrease over time as the body adjusts. MariTide, like other GLP-1 drugs, may have similar GI side effects, but specific data regarding this aspect is limited.
Amgen plans to launch Phase III trials for cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and heart failure for MariTide. Enrollment for the Phase III trial of MariTide for people with obesity and Type 2 diabetes has already begun. The company is also testing a staggered dosing strategy for MariTide in its Phase III 72-week-long trial for people with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
In the Phase II trial, people with type 2 diabetes lost up to 17% of their weight on average, while those with only obesity lost up to 20% of their weight on average over 52 weeks. However, the side effect of vomiting was higher among certain groups of people on MariTide, contributing to a higher rate of people dropping out before the study's end. Data suggests that this side effect can be dampened by gradually raising people's doses over time.
In the real world, adherence and side effects influence the effective outcomes of these medications. Injection simplicity and frequency strongly affect patient preference and persistence with treatment. If considering these therapies, individual factors such as treatment goals, lifestyle, tolerance to GI side effects, and preference for oral vs injectable administration should guide medication choice.
[1] Frier, B. (2021, May 18). Semaglutide: A New Treatment for Diabetes and Obesity. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/18/well/live/semaglutide-a-new-treatment-for-diabetes-and-obesity.html [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Semaglutide. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide/description/drg-20467137 [3] Wadden, T. A., & Foster, G. D. (2011). Obesity: Prevention and Treatment. American Psychologist, 66(1), 10-18. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fa0022055 [4] Diabetes UK. (2021). Semaglutide. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medicines-and-treatments/injectable-medicines/semaglutide
- The pipeline for obesity treatments includes MariTide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other GLP-1 medications, each offering unique advantages in terms of efficacy, frequency of administration, and gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
- Semaglutide and tirzepatide have demonstrated high potential in reducing blood sugar and promoting weight loss, with semaglutide showing significant weight loss and tirzepatide exhibiting superior efficacy in clinical trials compared to semaglutide.
- In the health and wellness sector, nutrition and weight-management industry experts are keenly watching the developments of MariTide, as it may offer a viable alternative to existing treatments, providing sustained weight loss without a plateau for up to 52 weeks.
- The future of science and technology in the field of health, particularly in the battle against obesity, is promising, as drugs like MariTide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide show significant potential in providing effective solutions with minimized side effects.
