Latest news with #GLP1RA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Leerink Partners and Jefferies Issue Bullish Ratings on Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is among the . A close-up of a staff member counting pills in a pharmaceutical warehouse. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is experiencing a strong analyst sentiment amid its expanding role in cutting-edge treatments. On July 18, Leerink Partners maintained its 'Buy' rating on the company, citing growth potential through the GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) space. According to a new JAMA study, GLP-1RAs, like Eli Lilly's 'tirzepatide' medication, not only improves blood sugar control but also reduces the risks of dementia, stroke, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. These research findings hold the potential to boost optimism ahead of results from Novo Nordisk's Alzheimer's trials. If the trial results are positive, it could benefit the company's positioning in neurology. Having a strong foothold in both the incretin and Alzheimer's markets, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is poised for future growth. On the same day, Jefferies also maintained a 'Buy' rating, setting its price target at $1,057. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is trading at $805.43 at the time of writing. Operating globally, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals. It is one of the best ESG stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of LLY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Medscape
6 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
What Factors Influence a Patient's Success on GLP-1s?
Longer treatment duration, not having diabetes, and using semaglutide were among the factors associated with better weight reduction over 12 months among patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA), a cohort study suggested. 'Treatment responses differ among patients receiving GLP-1 RAs, and the weight fluctuations and associated factors following [their] use have not been adequately characterized,' Linong Ji, MD, of Peking University People's Hospital in Beijing, China, told Medscape Medical News . The findings, published online in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism , 'may provide novel insights into weight fluctuations after GLP-1 RA treatment in a real-world setting,' he said, potentially advancing the development of individualized strategies for patients. 'Corroborates Other Studies' Researchers conducted a real-world, single-center, retrospective study of 679 patients with overweight or obesity who initiated GLP-1 RA treatment between November 2022 and October 2024. At baseline, participants had a mean age of 37 years, and 31% were men. The mean BMI was 33.4, and 21% were diagnosed with diabetes. The GLP-1 RAs used in the study included semaglutide (Ozempic), liraglutide (Victoza), lixisenatide (Lyxumia), beinaglutide (Yishengtai), exenatide (Bydureon), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and PEG-loxenatide (Fulaimei). All were available for participants with both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight/obesity. For participants with overweight/obesity but without T2D, only Ozempic or Victoza were routinely prescribed, with off-label documentation and informed consent. Weight measurements were collected during in-person clinic visits, and weight fluctuation curves were stratified into three phenotypes — Successful Weight Reduction, Remaining Stable, and Weight Regain. Subsequently, the association between potential influencing factors and weight fluctuations was estimated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were performed in participants with obesity, prediabetes, and in those using liraglutide or semaglutide. Researchers found significant differences in the duration of GLP-1 RA treatment across groups at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. The Successful Weight Reduction group had a significantly longer duration of GLP-1 RA treatment than the Remaining Stable group and a longer duration at both the 6- and 12-month follow-ups than the Weight Regain group. Diabetes status also showed group differences. At both the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the proportion of patients with T2D in the Successful Weight Reduction group was lower than in the Remaining Stable group. Types of GLP-1 RAs varied between groups, and at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the Successful Weight Reduction group was more likely to have initiated treatment with semaglutide than the Remaining Stable group. Patients with a longer duration of GLP-1 RA treatment (odds ratio [OR], 1.014) and higher Homeostasis Model Assessment of Beta-Cell Function levels (OR, 4.912) were more likely to achieve successful weight reduction at the 12-month follow-up. Nondiabetic status (OR, 2.176) and using semaglutide (OR, 2.138) were associated with successful weight reduction at the 6-month follow-up. In addition, a higher percentage of body fat in both men (OR, 3.990) and women (OR, 2.266) was associated with successful weight reduction. The weight regain group had a higher baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate than the Successful Weight Reduction group and the Remaining Stable group at 3-month follow-up, especially among participants with prediabetes. Ji said this finding surprised him. Patients with obesity often exhibit a state of renal hyperfiltration, characterized by elevated renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate, which can be reversed by weight reduction. The finding suggests that patients with renal hyperfiltration might be less likely to experience durable weight reduction, Ji said. 'However, few studies have revealed similar observations. Therefore, further validations and investigations are still needed for this finding.' Furthermore, the team found a positive nonlinear association of serum creatinine with successful weight reduction at 12 months — a finding that will also require additional investigations to examine the mechanism underlying the association. Overall, Ji concluded that while longer duration of GLP-1 RA treatment using semaglutide, nondiabetic status, and higher percentage of body fat might be associated with better weight reduction, 'basal metabolic rate, skeletal muscle mass, muscle mass of the abdomen and limbs, and serum creatinine were nonlinearly associated with the probability of successful weight reduction.' Randy Seeley, MD, Henry King Ransom Endowed Professor of Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and director of the National Institutes of Health-funded Michigan Nutrition Obesity Research Center, told Medscape Medical News , 'The main results of the study agree with what the field has already seen. Although it is a relatively small study, it corroborates other larger studies,' said Seeley, who was not involved in the study. This work was supported by the Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project. Ji reported receiving fees for lecture presentations and for consulting from AstraZeneca, Merck, Metabasis, MSD, Novartis, Eli Lilly and Company, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, and Takeda. Seeley reported that his lab has worked with both Novo and Lilly (and others trying to enter the space), and he has also served as a paid consultant for both of those companies (and others trying to enter the space).
Medscape
18-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
GLP-1 RAs Protective Against Stroke, Neurodegeneration?
TOPLINE: Use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide, was associated with a 37% reduced risk for dementia and a 19% reduced risk for ischemic stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity compared to the use of other antidiabetic drugs in a new retrospective cohort study. The neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 RAs were more pronounced in older adults, women, and those with a BMI of 30-40. METHODOLOGY: Investigators analyzed data on more than 60,000 adults aged 40 years or older with T2D and obesity and without type 1 diabetes or preexisting neurodegenerative or cerebrovascular diseases, obtained from electronic health records between 2017 and 2024. After propensity-score matching, participants receiving semaglutide or tirzepatide were assigned to the GLP-1 RA group (n = 30,430; mean age, 58 years; 50% women; 56% White individuals), and those receiving biguanides, sulfonylureas, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors were assigned to the 'other antidiabetic drug' group (n = 30,430; mean age, 58 years; 51% women; 56% White individuals). Primary outcomes were the incidence of new‐onset neurodegenerative diseases (dementia, Parkinson's disease, and mild cognitive impairment) and cerebrovascular diseases (ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage). The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. TAKEAWAY: Patients taking GLP-1 RAs had a significantly lower risk for dementia (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63), ischemic stroke (HR, 0.81), and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.70) than those taking other antidiabetic drugs. Compared with use of other antidiabetic drugs, use of semaglutide was associated with reduced risk for dementia (HR, 0.63), whereas use of tirzepatide was associated with reduced risk for stroke (HR, 0.69) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.48). No significant differences in risk for Parkinson's disease or intracerebral hemorrhage were observed between the GLP-1 RA group and the other antidiabetic group. The neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 RAs were more pronounced in women (HR, 0.85), adults aged 60 years or older (HR, 0.85), White individuals (HR, 0.86), and those with a BMI of 30-40 (HR, 0.82). IN PRACTICE: 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with T2D and obesity,' the investigators wrote. 'If shown to be protective for neurodegenerative diseases in future trials, GLP-1 RAs could potentially be used clinically in disease prevention in the future,' Sarah Marzi, PhD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, England, said in an online comment. Marzi was not involved with the current research. SOURCE: The study was led by Huan-Tang Lin, MD, PhD, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan. It was published online on July 15 in JAMA Network Open. LIMITATIONS: As an observational study, residual confounding from unmeasured factors such as frailty or functional status could not be excluded, potentially introducing healthy user or selection bias. The database used lacked biomarker data, genetic profiles, and neuroimaging assessments, limiting further mechanistic interpretations. The analysis did not account for death as a competing risk. Additionally, medication exposure was inferred from prescriptions without confirmation of actual adherence or accurate drug doses. DISCLOSURES: The study was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, and the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The investigators reported having no relevant conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals Presented Multiple Results in Novel Diabetes Therapies at the American Diabetes Association's 85th Scientific Sessions
In a Phase 2a clinical trial, the GLP-1 RA bofanglutide injection demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile after 23 weeks of once weekly treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with significant HbA1c reductions alongside comprehensive benefits for body weight, blood pressure and blood lipid profiles. In a Phase 2b clinical trial, the bofanglutide injection showed superior HbA1c and body weight reduction than semaglutide (Ozempic®) after 24 weeks of bi-weekly treatment in patients with T2DM, along with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. In a Phase 2 clinical trial, the once-weekly insulin GZR4 injection demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety profiles in patients with T2DM after 16 weeks of treatment. Notably, GZR4 injection achieved superior HbA1c reduction in patients with inadequate glycemic control on prior basal insulin therapy compared to once-daily insulin degludec (Tresiba®). BEIJING and BRIDGEWATER, N.J., June 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals (Gan & Lee, stock code: announced that the company presented multiple Phase 2 clinical study results of ultra-long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) bofanglutide (research code: GZR18) injection and once-weekly basal insulin analog GZR4 injection during a poster presentation at the American Diabetes Association (ADA)'s 85th Scientific Sessions. Statement: Bofanglutide injection and GZR4 injection are investigational drugs that have not yet been launched in any country. Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals does not recommend the use of any unapproved drugs/indications. Bofanglutide injection: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase 2a Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of Bofanglutide (GZR18) Injection in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) In this Phase 2a clinical trial (NCT06256523), 36 adults with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control through diet and exercise and/or irregular use of antidiabetic medications, were randomized to receive either bofanglutide injection (N=27) or placebo (N=9) once weekly (QW) for 23 weeks, with a dose escalating from 1.5 mg to 13 mg. The key efficacy endpoint was HbA1c change from baseline to week 23. After 23 weeks of treatment, the mean HbA1c change from baseline in the bofanglutide groups was -1.81% compared to 0.12% in the placebo group, with an estimated treatment difference of -1.93% points*. The proportion of participants achieving an HbA1c target of <7.0% and ≤6.5% was 57.7% and 46.2%, respectively, compared to zero in the placebo group. In terms of weight management, participants treated with bofanglutide experienced a mean reduction in body weight of 6.92 kg from baseline, corresponding to a 9.3% decrease, compared to a minimal reduction of 1.2% in the placebo group. Furthermore, bofanglutide showed comprehensive improvements over placebo in multiple metabolic parameters, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated albumin (GA), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, and lipid profiles. In terms of safety, bofanglutide was well tolerated in patients with T2DM. Consistent with known GLP-1 RAs, the most common adverse events were gastrointestinal-related, primarily observed during the early dose-escalation period with mostly mild to moderate in severity. No hypoglycemic events or investigational product-related serious adverse events were reported during the study. Bofanglutide injection: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label, Active comparator-controlled Phase 2 Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of bofanglutide Injection versus Semaglutide (Ozempic®) in Chinese Patients with T2DM In this Phase 2b clinical trial (NCT06256549), a total of 272 eligible Chinese patients with T2DM, who had inadequate glycemic control either after lifestyle intervention or despite stable use of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) for at least 3 months, were randomized to receive bi-weekly (Q2W) 12 mg (N=55), 18 mg (N=54), 24 mg (N=55) bofanglutide injections, or once-weekly (QW) 24 mg (N=54) bofanglutide injections, or 1 mg semaglutide (Ozempic®, N=54) for 24 weeks of treatment, including the dose-escalation period. The primary endpoint was HbA1c change from baseline to week 24. After 24 weeks of treatment, the mean reductions in HbA1c from baseline were 1.87%, 2.28%, and 1.94% in the bofanglutide groups at 12 mg, 18 mg, and 24 mg Q2W, respectively, and -2.32% in the 24 mg QW group. All these treatment regimens showed greater HbA1c reductions compared to the semaglutide group (-1.60%), with the 18 mg Q2W and 24 mg QW bofanglutide groups demonstrating statistically significant superiority (p<0.001)*. Among drug-naïve patients with inadequate glycemic control despite lifestyle interventions, the 18 mg Q2W bofanglutide group achieved a mean HbA1c reduction of 2.98%, which was significantly greater than that observed with semaglutide (-2.04%; p<0.001)*. The proportions of patients achieving HbA1c target of <7.0% were 63.0% to 73.6% in the Q2W bofanglutide group, 75.0% in the QW bofanglutide group, and 70.0% in the semaglutide group. For the HbA1c ≤6.5% target, the corresponding proportions were 58.2% to 67.9%, 69.2%, and 62.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the mean change in body weight for all bofanglutide groups from baseline to week 24 ranged from -4.26 to -6.54 kg, compared to -3.25 kg in the semaglutide group*. Bofanglutide also greatly improved FPG, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and other metabolic parameters. In this study, bofanglutide was generally well tolerated, with safety and tolerability consistent with other known GLP-1 RAs. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal-related, mostly mild to moderate in severity, and no severe hypoglycemic events were observed. GZR4 injection: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label, Active-controlled, Treat-to-target Phase 2 Clinical Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of GZR4 Injection Versus Insulin degludec (IDeg, Tresiba®) in Chinese patients with T2DM This Phase 2 clinical study (NCT06202079) enrolled a total of 83 Chinese patients with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control on OADs (Part A), and 96 patients with inadequate control on OADs combined with basal insulin therapy (Part B). Participants were randomized to receive QW GZR4 injection (Part A: N=42; Part B: N=41) or once-daily IDeg (Tresiba®) injection (Part A: N=48; Part B: N=48) for 16 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 16. After 16 weeks of treatment, in patients from Part A, the mean change in HbA1c was comparable between GZR4 groups and IDeg groups (−1.50% versus -1.48%, p = 0.90). The proportion of participants achieving HbA1c target of <7.0% was 59.5% in the GZR4 group and 70.7% in the IDeg group, while the proportion achieving HbA1c target of ≤6.5% was 38.1% and 29.3%, respectively. In patients from Part B, GZR4 demonstrated significantly greater HbA1c reduction compared to IDeg (-1.26% vs -0.87%; p<0.01), with a higher proportion of patients achieving HbA1c targets of <7.0% and ≤6.5% (52.1% vs 29.2%; 25.0% vs 10.4%). In addition, improvements from baseline in FPG and time in range (TIR) were comparable between the GZR4 group and IDeg group. GZR4 achieved effective glycemic control without the need for a loading dose at the first administration, while the total weekly insulin dosage (mole) for GZR4 was approximately 40–50% of that for IDeg (p<0.001). In terms of safety, the incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups. No severe hypoglycemic events or investigational product-related serious adverse events were reported during the study. * The clinical data were presented as mean (SE) value. The detailed results of the above Phase 2 clinical study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion and Future Direction The latest clinical results presented at this year's ADA conference highlight Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals' leading position in the development of long-acting antidiabetic therapies. Building on these positive outcomes, the company will continue to advance the research and development of innovative treatments for diabetes. Currently, Gan & Lee has initiated and is accelerating large-scale Phase 3 clinical programs in China for bofanglutide injection and GZR4 injections for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, aiming to provide more effective treatment options for patients with diabetes. Forward-looking statements Forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and assumptions as of the date of the statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, and we can give no assurance that such results will be achieved in the future. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. About Gan & Lee Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals developed the first Chinese domestic insulin analog. Currently, Gan & Lee has six core insulin products, including five insulin analog varieties: long-acting glargine injection (Basalin®), fast-acting lispro injection (Prandilin™), fast-acting aspart injection (Rapilin®), mixed protamine zinc lispro injection (25R) (Prandilin™25), aspart 30 injection (Rapilin®30), and one human insulin injection - mixed protamine human insulin injection (30R) (Similin®30). The company has two approved medical devices in China, namely reusable insulin injection pen (GanleePen), and disposable pen needle (GanleeFine®). In China's 2024 National Insulin-Specific Centralized Procurement, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals ranked first among all selected companies in terms of procurement demand for insulin analogs. The company is also making strides in international markets, with the disposable pen needle (GanleeFine®) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 and received GMP inspection approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2024. These achievements significantly boost Gan & Lee's competitiveness in both international and domestic markets. In the future, Gan & Lee will strive for comprehensive coverage in diabetes treatment. Moving forward with its mission to become a world-class pharmaceutical company, Gan & Lee will also actively develop new chemical entities and biological drugs, focusing on treatments for metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other therapeutic areas. SOURCE Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals
Medscape
20-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Cancer Concerns Spark Caution Over Weight Loss Injections
Cancer patients should seek medical advice before using weight loss injections, a leading UK charity has said. Macmillan Cancer Support urged patients not to view these drugs as 'quick fixes', following a rise in helpline queries over whether they should take them. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for several cancer types and is linked to worse outcomes in patients who already have a cancer diagnosis. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have seen rapid uptake for weight loss. Their popularity has helped fuel speculation that they could reduce the risk of cancer or improve outcomes in people with obesity-related cancers. Mixed Findings on Cancer Risk and Benefits A study published in The Lancet eClinical Medicine in May compared outcomes in patients treated with GLP-1 RAs versus bariatric surgery. The research involved 3178 age- and BMI-matched pairs in Israel. Despite surgery achieving greater weight loss, both groups had similar rates of obesity-related cancers. The researchers suggested that there could be additional pathways beyond weight loss through which GLP-1RAs might lower cancer risk, for example by reducing inflammation. Other experts have proposed additional pathways, including enhanced immune responses, improved insulin sensitivity, hormonal modulation, and changes to gut microbiome. As a result of the study, clinical trials of GLP-1RAs as potential anti-cancer agents are planned. Potential Risks: Thyroid and Pancreatic Cancer Some studies have suggested that GLP-1RAs carry a minor increase in the risk of thyroid cancer, which is one of the 13 cancers known to be linked with obesity. Some GLP-1RAs now carry warnings about this potential link, although the evidence is conflicting. One meta-analysis of 64 studies by Italian researchers, published in March 2024, found a significant increase overall thyroid cancer risk. However, the data did not show a significant rise in papillary or medullary thyroid cancer when analysed separately. The researchers concluded that GLP-1RA treatment could be associated with a moderate increase in the relative risk of thyroid cancer, though the absolute risk remained small. They called for longer-term studies to clarify the link. In contrast, a Scandinavian cohort study published in April found no substantial increase in thyroid cancer risk over an average follow-up of 3.9 years. The authors said the findings did not rule out a slight increase but suggested no more than a 31% relative risk rise. Similar concerns have been raised about a theoretical risk of pancreatic cancer, but no conclusive evidence has been found. Macmillan Helpline Sees Spike in Inquiries Following recent media coverage, Macmillan Cancer Support reported a surge in calls and messages about weight loss medications, including the potential risk to people with thyroid cancer. Dr Owen Carter, Macmillan's national clinical adviser, said in a press release that there had been "a noticeable increase" in calls to the charity's free support line, alongside "a flurry of messages" on its peer-to-peer online community platform. In response, the charity has published updated information about weight loss injections and cancer on its website. Carter said that some callers were concerned about taking weight loss drugs while undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. While there is currently not enough evidence, "we do know that these drugs may affect how other drugs are absorbed by your body," he said. "This may include some anti-cancer drugs." Weight Loss Before Surgery and Pre-habilitation Other patients have asked whether weight loss medication is safe to take before surgery for cancer. "Understandably, people are keen to do what they can to get ready for cancer treatment," Carter said. Healthcare professionals often recommend pre-habilitation to help patients prepare for treatment by improving their fitness and overall health. However, Carter warned against unprescribed use of weight loss injections as 'quick fixes'. 'We simply do not know enough about the long-term impact of these weight loss medications to recommend them if they're not prescribed by a specialist,' he said. Carter also emphasised the importance of making lifestyle changes alongside use of medications. "We know that eating well and staying as active as possible are proven to help people feel better, increase their energy levels, and strengthen their immune systems, which can help them to manage their weight and cope better with cancer treatment", he said. Risks of Unregulated Online Purchases Macmillan also raised concerns about people buying GLP-1 RAs online from unregulated sources. Some patients are reported to have experienced severe side effects from counterfeit medicines. The charity urged people to speak to their GP before taking weight loss drugs. Macmillan noted that potential side-effects of GLP-1RAs include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation, and fatigue. They can also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. There have been reports of unplanned pregnancies occurring while taking these drugs, which may be particularly hazardous in cancer patients, as some cancer treatments are teratogenic.
