Roche's new obesity shot posted strong mid-stage results in diabetes patients

Trial results and safety

Roche reported that in its mid-stage trial, patients on the 24 mg regimen saw HbA1c drop by 2.65%. Those participants also lost an average 15.5% of body weight across 48 weeks, and the company said the trajectory had not flattened by the end of that period.

Side effects led 2% of participants to stop treatment by week 48. For context, in a shorter mid-stage study of Eli Lilly's Mounjaro in diabetes, discontinuation rates ranged from 5% to 24.5%.

How it works and what Roche plans next

Roche is aiming enicepatide at the same arena as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk with a once-weekly shot that, like Lilly's Zepbound, targets both GLP-1 and GIP, the metabolic hormones tied to appetite and glucose control. Analysts peg the global weight-loss drug market at up to $150 billion.

Two late-stage obesity studies are already running. Beginning in early 2027, Roche expects to broaden its trials to assess cardiovascular and diabetes outcomes. It also plans to explore higher doses and evaluate combinations with other anti-obesity medicines. At a July half-year media briefing, pharmaceuticals head Teresa Graham said Roche will pursue the drug both solo and in combos, particularly for patients who need "greater weight loss and/or better glycemic control."

Protecting and growing your savings starts with steady planning and thoughtful decisions. Join Briefs Finance CEO Jaspreet Singh on September 29th for a FREE live investor workshop, How to Profit From A Dollar That's Losing its Value, where he shows how we're spotting investment opportunities as the dollar falls. Save your spot.

Enicepatide, previously known as CT-388, originated at Carmot Therapeutics, which Roche bought for $3.1 billion in 2023.

What analysts are watching

Goldman Sachs's James Quigley and his team said the outcome "look competitive" versus Phase 3 peers, while stressing they want to see placebo-adjusted data and a Phase 3 repeat before calling it a clear win. Vontobel's Stefan Schneider called the profile competitive, citing the mix of sustained weight loss and a sizable portion of patients reaching normal glucose levels. He sees potential launch as soon as 2028 and estimates peak sales of CHF 2.5 billion, or $3.05 billion.

Bloomberg Intelligence's Michael Shah and Christos Nikoletopoulos said in June that earlier results suggested enicepatide is "as good as rivals on weight loss," projected possible approval by 2030, and modeled up to $4 billion in peak sales.

Roche shares dipped 0.6% in early Zurich trading after the update. For everyday investors sizing up the weight-loss drug race, the signal is simple: if these mid-stage gains hold up in larger trials, Roche could earn a real seat at a market that might reach $150 billion.

A calm, informed approach helps safeguard wealth and find sensible growth opportunities. Our CEO Jaspreet Singh is hosting a FREE live investor workshop, How to Profit From A Dollar That's Losing its Value, on September 29th. Sign up free to join him live.