Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals has announced promising results from its ongoing Phase 1/2 study of a gene-silencing drug aimed at treating obesity. The early findings suggest that the candidate, known as ARO-INHBE, could significantly enhance weight loss outcomes when used in conjunction with Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. Participants in the study lost an average of 9.4% of their body weight after 16 weeks when receiving both treatments, compared to a 4.8% reduction for those taking Zepbound alone.
The study participants consisted of individuals suffering from both obesity and diabetes, conditions that often complicate weight loss efforts. Notably, the combination therapy led to a substantial reduction in visceral fat—an especially harmful type of fat stored around internal organs. Those who received the combination treatment lost an average of 23% of their visceral fat, alongside a 15% decrease in total fat and a remarkable 77% reduction in liver fat. In contrast, those on Zepbound alone experienced losses of 7%, 5%, and 20%%, respectively, in these categories.
These results are significant given the challenges faced by patients with diabetes in losing weight through traditional treatments. The study underscores the potential of ARO-INHBE to address obesity more effectively, particularly in populations that have struggled with weight loss.
As the competition intensifies among biotechnology firms to develop effective long-term solutions for weight management, Arrowhead’s findings could represent a pivotal moment in the race for advanced obesity treatments. The success of these gene-silencing drugs may pave the way for new therapeutic options, enhancing the quality of life for individuals grappling with obesity and related health issues.
Moving forward, the biotechnology sector will likely keep a close watch on the outcomes of Arrowhead’s ongoing studies. The implications of these findings extend beyond individual health, potentially influencing market dynamics and investment in obesity-related drug development.
