Pfizer Inc. Announces Discontinuation of Weight Management Pill Development

In a significant development, Pfizer Inc. revealed on Monday its decision to cease the development of danuglipron, a daily pill aimed at chronic weight management. This decision comes in the wake of a trial participant experiencing drug-induced liver injury, marking a setback in the quest for effective obesity treatments.

Details of the Incident: During one of the dose-optimization studies, a participant exhibited elevated liver enzymes, a condition indicative of liver injury. Notably, the individual did not report any liver-related symptoms or side effects. The situation resolved once the medication was discontinued, with liver enzyme levels returning to normal.

Pfizer's Commitment to Obesity Research Continues

Despite this hurdle, Pfizer remains dedicated to addressing the critical gaps in the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including obesity. Chris Boshoff, Pfizer's Chief Scientific Officer and President of R&D, emphasized the company's ongoing efforts to advance its pipeline of investigational treatments. This includes the development of an oral GIPR antagonist candidate and other early-stage obesity programs, underscoring Pfizer's commitment to meeting the unmet medical needs in this area.