Roche experimental shot showed 18% greater weight loss in mid-stage trial

Roche reported that its weekly shot CT-388 produced 18% more weight loss than placebo in a mid-stage trial, and nearly half of high-dose participants lost 20% or more of their body weight by week 48.

Roche reported mid-stage trial results for its weekly shot CT-388 that showed greater weight loss than placebo. The trial outcomes are drawing attention as Roche prepares to begin late-stage testing this quarter. The company acquired much of the program in its 2023 purchase of Carmot Therapeutics for $3.1 billion. The results are being compared with several other experimental obesity medicines in development. Key trial details: - CT-388 produced 18% more weight loss than placebo in the mid-stage study. - Almost half of volunteers on the highest dose lost 20% or more of their body weight by week 48. - Roche estimated that full adherence would have yielded about 22.5% weight loss, suggesting some participants missed doses. - Most gastrointestinal side effects were reported as mild to moderate, and 5.9% of participants on CT-388 withdrew from the trial due to health impacts. - Roche said it will start late-stage trials this quarter and plans to test CT-388 both as a standalone therapy and in combination with other obesity treatments. - The article mentions comparisons with drugs from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk and notes Roche acquired much of its obesity pipeline in the Carmot deal in 2023. Summary: Roche will begin late-stage trials of CT-388 this quarter and plans to offer multiple dose levels and combination testing in its programs. Regulatory timing and longer-term outcomes remain undetermined at this time.