ZEALAND PHARMA AS

16 new weight-loss drugs expected by 2029 could expand the obesity treatment market to $200 billion by 2031, with $70 billion from GLP-1 drugs. Major pharma companies like Amgen and Pfizer are testing candidates, and analysts predict significant acquisitions in the next 18 months.

Zealand Pharma reports positive Phase 1b trial results for dapiglutide, a GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor dual agonist, showing up to 8.3% body weight reduction and good tolerability. Higher doses up to 26 mg are being evaluated in Part 2 of the trial, with results expected in H1 2025.

M.J.D. has consulted, advised, and spoken for Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Zealand Pharma, Carmot/Roche, and Amgen. She has also received grants from AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Sanofi-Aventis, and Eli Lilly. J.G. has no competing interests.