Celldex stopped barzolvolimab for eosinophilic esophagitis after it failed to improve symptoms, despite depleting mucosal mast cells. The company will now explore other GI diseases driven by mast cells where the antibody might be effective.
The FDA declined PTC Therapeutics' vatiquinone for Friedreich's Ataxia, citing insufficient efficacy data and requiring more studies.
Viking Therapeutics' oral VK2735 achieved up to 12.2% weight loss in a Phase 2 trial, which was below expectations. It is safe, well-tolerated, and has mild gastrointestinal effects.
GoodRx partnered with Novo Nordisk to offer Ozempic and Wegovy pens for $499/month to self-paying patients, expanding access for those without adequate insurance. This makes them available at over 70,000 U.S. pharmacies. Hims & Hers down.
Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) is now FDA-approved for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with liver scarring, a significant advancement for this serious condition.
Lilly's new oral GLP-1, orforglipron, shows 11-12.4% weight loss in late-stage trial, short of Zepbound and Wegovy. Easier to produce and distribute than injectables, it targets wider patient access. FDA submission this year.
