Overview

• Pfizer has ended the development of its experimental once-daily weight-loss pill, danuglipron, after a trial participant experienced a potential drug-induced liver injury.
• The liver injury, which resolved after the medication was stopped, prompted Pfizer to review clinical data and regulatory feedback before making the decision to discontinue the program.
• This marks the second setback for danuglipron, following the abandonment of its twice-daily formulation in late 2023 due to significant tolerability issues, including high dropout rates from side effects.
• Despite the discontinuation, Pfizer reported that the overall frequency of liver enzyme elevations in danuglipron trials was comparable to those seen with approved GLP-1 drugs.
• Pfizer is redirecting its efforts toward other investigational obesity therapies, including an oral drug targeting the GIP receptor, which is currently in phase 2 trials.