NOVARTIS next-generation weight´loss drugs

 

Novartis is jumping on the weight-loss bandwagon, aiming to develop next-generation anti-obesity drugs that could potentially address some of the drawbacks associated with current treatments.

In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan said the company sees "opportunity to improve" by developing weight-loss drugs that are easier to administer or preserve more muscle. He noted that development was in "very early stages within Novartis."

Novartis discontinued development of an anti-obesity drug called MBL949 last year due to disappointing Phase 2 data.

Currently, the weight-loss drug marketed is dominated by GLP-1 drugs made by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, such as Wegovy and Zepbound. Other companies working on GLP-1 drugs include Structure Therapeutics, Amgen and Roche. One drawback of GLP-1 drugs is that they can lead to muscle wasting in some users.