Zealand Pharma, a biotechnology company specializing in peptide-based medicines, recently presented positive results for their amylin analog ZP8396 at the Obesity Society Annual Meeting (ObesityWeek) held in Dallas, Texas. The clinical and non-clinical data presented at the conference highlighted the potential of ZP8396 as a next-generation treatment for overweight and obesity.
In a multiple ascending dose (MAD) clinical trial, low doses of ZP8396 were shown to induce significant reductions in body weight, with participants experiencing up to a 5.3% decrease over a 6-week treatment period. These weight loss results were comparable to those seen with other peptide-based therapies that have been recently approved or are in development. Importantly, ZP8396 demonstrated improved tolerability in the trial, suggesting it could be a promising alternative to current GLP-1 based therapies.
Another presentation at the conference focused on the potential of combining ZP8396 with the GLP-1/GIP dual agonist tirzepatide. Preclinical studies using a rat model of obesity showed that the combination of ZP8396 and tirzepatide led to significantly greater weight loss compared to either treatment alone. This finding provides support for the idea that combining different treatments may lead to even more effective weight reduction in individuals with overweight and obesity.
The clinical trial for ZP8396 is ongoing, with higher doses and a longer 16-week treatment period being investigated. The trial aims to further evaluate the potential of ZP8396 for managing overweight and obesity. Initial results from the trial, which focused on a single ascending dose, demonstrated dose-dependent and sustained weight reduction.
ZP8396 is an investigational amylin analog designed to be a potent, long-acting treatment for obesity. It has been engineered to improve solubility and minimize fibrillation, allowing for co-formulation with other peptides, including GLP-1 agonists. Preclinical models have shown that ZP8396 has the potential to reduce body weight and improve glycemic control in individuals with obesity and diabetes.
Zealand Pharma is committed to the discovery and development of innovative peptide-based medicines. With a strong pipeline of drug candidates, the company has partnered with various pharmaceutical companies and has already brought two products to market. Zealand Pharma’s focus on peptide-based therapies may offer new and effective treatment options for individuals with obesity and other metabolic disorders.
These positive results presented at ObesityWeek serve as an encouraging step forward in the development of ZP8396 as a potential treatment for overweight and obesity. As research continues, Zealand Pharma aims to provide further data on the safety, efficacy, and clinical potential of ZP8396 in managing these prevalent health conditions.
