Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals announced promising results from its early-stage trials of gene-silencing drugs aimed at combating obesity. In a Phase 1/2 study, patients receiving a combination of ARO-INHBE and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound experienced significant weight loss compared to those using Zepbound alone. This development could sharpen competition among biotechnology firms to create more effective and lasting weight loss solutions.
In the study, participants took two doses of ARO-INHBE, spaced one month apart. After a period of 16 weeks, those on the combination therapy lost an average of 9.4% of their body weight. In contrast, patients treated with Zepbound alone lost 4.8% during the same timeframe. Notably, the participants in the study were individuals with both obesity and diabetes, a group that typically sees lower weight loss outcomes with standard treatments.
The results also highlighted a substantial reduction in visceral fat among those receiving the combination therapy. Patients lost 23% of their visceral fat, which is recognized as the most harmful fat type stored around the organs. Furthermore, the combination therapy led to a 15% decrease in total body fat and a remarkable 77% reduction in liver fat. Excess liver fat is associated with inflammation and potential scarring of the organ, making these results particularly significant for patients at risk of liver-related complications. In comparison, those on Zepbound alone reported a 7% loss in visceral fat, 5% in total fat, and 20% in liver fat.
These early results may intensify the ongoing race among pharmaceutical companies to develop effective weight loss treatments. With obesity rates climbing globally, the demand for innovative solutions has never been higher. Arrowhead’s findings contribute to a growing body of research exploring gene-silencing as a viable approach to weight management, potentially paving the way for new therapies that can offer patients more sustainable outcomes.
As the study progresses, further data will be essential in determining the long-term efficacy and safety of ARO-INHBE. The biopharmaceutical industry is keenly watching these developments, as success in these trials could lead to significant advancements in obesity treatment options. Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals continues to work diligently to assess the full potential of its gene-silencing technology, aiming to bring new hope to those struggling with obesity and its associated health challenges.
