Pfizer’s Strategic Shift Post-Danuglipron: Exploring New Frontiers in Obesity Treatment

Pfizer has discontinued the development of its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist danuglipron due to safety concerns, specifically a potential case of drug-induced liver injury observed during clinical trials1 2 3.
This marks the second oral GLP-1 obesity drug Pfizer has axed in recent years, following the discontinuation of lotiglipron in 2023, over similar liver enzyme issues2 6.
Pfizer remains committed to the obesity treatment market and is advancing alternative candidates, including an oral GIP receptor antagonist (PF-07976016) in Phase 2 trials and another GLP-1 agonist in Phase 1 trials6.
The company is considering external collaborations or acquisitions to regain a competitive edge against market leaders like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, who dominate the obesity drug space with injectable therapies2 8.
Pfizer's promising GLP-1 and glucagon dual agonist pemvidutide, developed in collaboration with Altimmune, is set to enter Phase 3 trials for obesity, showing weight loss efficacy up to 15.6% in earlier studies8.
Analysts speculate that Pfizer might strike deals with companies like Viking Therapeutics, whose dual agonist VK2735 has shown potential as both a subcutaneous and oral obesity treatment2 8.
The global obesity drug market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates ranging from $105 billion to $144 billion by 2030, intensifying competition among pharmaceutical companies2 7.