Amgen scraps experimental weight loss pill, moves forward with injection

Amgen has decided to discontinue its experimental weight loss pill and will focus on developing its injectable obesity treatment, MariTide, along with other preclinical assets. Initial data from a mid-stage study on MariTide, which has shown promising results, is expected later this year. The company is also planning a late-stage trial for this treatment.

The move comes as Amgen aims to capture a share of the rapidly growing weight loss drug market, projected to be worth $100 billion by the decade's end. This strategic shift follows the discontinuation of another weight loss pill by Pfizer due to poor patient tolerance. Amgen's approach differs by targeting a gut hormone receptor and potentially offering a less frequent dosing schedule, enhancing convenience compared to existing treatments.