Pfizer's GLP-1 drug berobenatide shows promising Phase 2b results
Pfizer Inc. has presented results from Phase 2b studies of berobenatide, an investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide. The data supports further development, including a monthly dosing strategy for chronic weight management.
New York – Pfizer Inc. has presented detailed results from multiple Phase 2b studies of berobenatide (PF'3944), an investigational, potential first-in-class monthly GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) peptide.
The objectives for the Phase 2 studies were to identify suitable doses for Phase 3 trials and to test dose escalation schemes. Data from the Phase 2b VESPER-1, 2, and 3 studies, involving both weekly and monthly dosing in participants with obesity or overweight, with and without type 2 diabetes, provide proof of concept for berobenatide.
Results from a 32-week extension of the VESPER-1 study showed a 15.9% weight loss with 2.4 mg of weekly berobenatide, with no plateau observed at 32 weeks. Pfizer plans to advance 10 Phase 3 studies for berobenatide in 2026 for chronic weight management and obesity-related comorbidities, including knee osteoarthritis and obstructive sleep apnea.
Jim List, MD, PhD, Chief Internal Medicine Officer at Pfizer, stated that berobenatide delivered continuous weight loss at all doses selected for Phase 3, while maintaining a tolerable profile as people transitioned from weekly to monthly maintenance dosing. The company is advancing a differentiated pipeline with multiple mechanisms and modalities designed to meet the many needs of people living with obesity and related conditions.