Pfizer Halts Development of Obesity Pill Due to Liver Injury Concerns
Pfizer has made the decision to discontinue the development of a once-daily pill designed to treat obesity after a participant in a clinical trial exhibited signs of potential liver injury. The individual’s condition improved after ceasing to take the drug, known as danuglipron.
The pill was in the early stages of testing to determine the optimal dosage, as stated by a Pfizer spokesperson. Initially, the company had intentions to advance the drug into late-stage trials, which typically precede FDA review.
Following this development, Pfizer has opted to halt all testing related to danuglipron, including its potential combination with other drugs for obesity treatment. Nevertheless, the company remains committed to exploring alternative treatments for obesity that are currently in the earlier phases of research.
In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have increasingly focused on the development of obesity medications. Injectable treatments such as Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy have generated substantial revenue, with Zepbound alone bringing in nearly $5 billion in 2024. Despite their efficacy, some individuals may be reluctant to use injectable medications.
Consequently, there has been a significant push within the industry to create oral versions of these treatments. Lilly, for instance, is expected to release updated data this year on two oral obesity drugs currently under investigation.
While there is a strong demand for these medications, access can pose a challenge for certain patients due to insurance restrictions or high out-of-pocket expenses. Even with recent price reductions, many of these drugs still come with a steep monthly cost.
Pfizer had previously discontinued testing of a twice-daily iteration of danuglipron in late 2023, after a considerable number of participants in a trial opted to discontinue its use.
For more information on prescription weight-loss drugs, you can visit the Mayo Clinic website.
In conclusion, Pfizer’s decision to halt the development of danuglipron underscores the importance of prioritizing patient safety in pharmaceutical research and development efforts. The quest for effective and accessible obesity treatments continues, with ongoing innovation and research driving progress in this critical area of healthcare.
This article is based on the original content published by HealthDay in April 2025 and is subject to copyright. No part of this content may be reproduced without written permission.
