Endocrine/metabolic

Cell culture, mouse and non-human primate (NHP) studies suggest inhibiting the GIP receptor alone or in combination with GLP-1R agonists could help treat obesity. In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, a mouse anti-GIP receptor mAb increased glucose tolerance compared with vehicle. Also in the model, the mAb decreased body weight, white adipose tissue mass, liver weight, fasting levels of blood glucose, serum insulin and serum triglycerides compared with a non-neutralizing control mAb. And in the same model, the mAb plus the GLP-1R agonists Victoza liraglutide, Trulicity dulaglutide or Byetta exenatide decreased body weight compared with any agent alone. In an NHP model of spontaneous obesity, a human anti-GIP receptor mAb plus Trulicity decreased body weight and food intake compared with either agent alone. Ongoing work by Amgen Inc. includes Phase I testing of the mAb (AMG 598) in obesity.

Novo Nordisk A/S markets Victoza to reduce CV risk and treat diabetes and has the product in Phase II testing for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)...