Novo Nordisk's Obesity Pill Shows Modest Results, Stocks Drop

Phase 2a trial of monlunabant reveals limited additional weight loss at higher doses and notable psychiatric side effects.

Novo Nordisk's Phase 2a trial of monlunabant showed a 6.5% weight loss at the lowest dose after 16 weeks, with limited additional weight loss at higher doses.
The trial involved 243 participants and revealed mild to moderate side effects, including anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
Following the mixed results, Novo Nordisk's shares dropped over 5%, impacting stocks of smaller competitors like Corbus Pharmaceuticals and Skye Bioscience.
Analysts have adjusted their expectations and price targets for Corbus Pharmaceuticals, reflecting tempered optimism about similar CB1 inverse agonist mechanisms.
Novo Nordisk plans to initiate a larger Phase 2b study next year to further explore dosing and safety profiles for monlunabant.