Pfizer Halts Obesity Pill Due to Liver Concerns

Pfizer has decided to discontinue the development of its oral weight-loss drug danuglipron due to a potential case of drug-induced liver injury in a trial participant, which resolved after the medication was stopped. Despite the drug meeting key pharmacokinetic goals, Pfizer concluded that the frequency of liver enzyme elevations, although in line with other approved GLP-1 drugs, warranted halting further development. This decision follows previous challenges with a twice-daily version of the drug, which was also discontinued due to high rates of side effects like nausea and vomiting. Pfizer plans to focus on other obesity treatments, including a GIP antagonist currently in Phase II development. The discontinuation is a significant setback as Pfizer competes in the lucrative obesity drug market, currently dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Despite the setback, Pfizer remains committed to advancing its pipeline of investigational treatments for obesity.