Swiss drugmaker Roche has clinched a deal to acquire Carmot Therapeutics, a leading developer of obesity drugs, for a staggering $2.7 billion upfront. Carmot’s flagship drug candidate, known as CT-388, could potentially challenge the dominance of Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the current leaders in weight-loss drug production. The medication, which is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, is on the cusp of human testing in the second phase of trials. If all goes well, it could hit the market in the 2030s.
Roche’s ultimate ambition is for CT-388 to become the top obesity drug in the GLP-1 class, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other compounds. The global weight-loss market is anticipated to reach a staggering $100 billion, leaving plenty of room for competitors like Roche to make their mark. In addition to the substantial upfront payment, Carmot’s owners will also receive up to $400 million in milestone payments as part of the agreement.
This acquisition is a major step for Roche as it seeks to bounce back from significant setbacks in its development pipeline, particularly in the areas of Alzheimer’s and cancer immunotherapy. By reentering the GLP-1 field, which it had abandoned in 2018, Roche aims to reestablish its position as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
Carmot’s portfolio comprises an array of gut-hormone drug candidates designed to combat obesity in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. These drugs are available in pill and injection forms, providing flexibility and options for patients. With this acquisition, Roche will have access to a broader range of potential weight-loss treatments.
Overall, Roche’s acquisition of Carmot Therapeutics marks a significant move in the battle against obesity. With CT-388 poised to undergo human trials and potentially hit the market in the future, Roche is positioning itself as a major player in the weight-loss drug industry. The company’s determination to restore its development pipeline and regain a foothold in the GLP-1 field shows its commitment to innovation and addressing the global obesity epidemic.
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