Roche’s Obesity Pill Candidate Faces Safety Concerns Amid Promising Efficacy Results

Safety Concerns:
Roche's experimental obesity pill, CT-996, has raised safety concerns due to high rates of gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and chronic acid reflux, particularly when doses were increased rapidly.

Efficacy Data:
Despite safety concerns, the pill showed strong efficacy, with patients losing 7.3% of their body weight over four weeks when doses were ramped up rapidly.

Dosing Impact:
Gradual dosing appeared to improve tolerability, reducing the incidence of severe side effects, but with a weaker efficacy of 2.3% weight loss over four weeks.

Market Impact:
Roche's shares dropped by as much as 5.7% following the revelation of these side effects, while competitors Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly gained 4% and 2%, respectively.

Future Plans:
Roche plans to proceed with Phase II studies next year, aiming to improve tolerability and address safety concerns.