AstraZeneca’s new weight-loss pill, AZD5004, shows promise in early trials with tolerable side effects, advancing to Phase II studies focused on reducing obesity.
AstraZeneca reported on Monday that its experimental weight-loss pill, AZD5004, licensed from China's Eccogene for up to $2 billion, was found safe and tolerable in an early-stage trial.
The study, which included 72 participants who were either healthy or had type 2 diabetes, showed side effects consistent with other GLP-1 drugs, such as nausea and vomiting. Based on these findings, AstraZeneca has advanced AZD5004 to Phase II trials focused on weight reduction in overweight and obese individuals, with completion expected by late 2025.
Unlike injectable treatments from competitors Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, AZD5004 is a small molecule pill that can be combined with other medications and taken with or without food, offering potential advantages for patients with additional health conditions.
AstraZeneca also shared early-stage data on other obesity drugs, AZD6234 and AZD9550, which target different hunger-related hormones and will undergo further Phase II testing through 2026.
Meanwhile, Viking Therapeutics released early trial results for its own oral obesity drug, which briefly boosted its stock before a decline.
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AstraZeneca, opens new tab said it will spend $2.5 billion on a research and development hub in Beijing, as the drugmaker scrambles to revive business in its second-biggest market after scandals including the arrest of its China president last year.
AstraZeneca is acquiring Belgium-based EsoBiotec for $1 billion to expand its cell therapy capabilities, with the deal set to close in the second quarter.
Ukraine and several Baltic and Nordic states are withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, citing security threats from Russia.
Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months despite U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog has said.
President Donald Trump says a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could potentially be reached within the next week, as U.S. mediation efforts intensify.
Israeli forces have detained several individuals in southern Syria suspected of terrorist activity following raids targeting weapons storage sites.
The U.S. Senate advanced President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill on Saturday despite Democratic criticism that it benefits the wealthy over social programmes.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
France will impose its toughest outdoor smoking restrictions starting Monday, banning smoking at beaches, parks, playgrounds, and bus stops.
Scientists in Australia and the U.S. have developed an AI tool that could transform cancer care by revealing the hidden diversity of tumour cells and guiding more targeted therapies.
Singapore has launched its largest-ever study on paediatric food allergies, aiming to better understand and address the growing burden of allergic reactions among children.
Bill Gates says his foundation will not compensate for funding shortfalls caused by U.S. and UK aid cuts to global vaccination efforts, warning of rising child mortality as a result.
The world is facing a health financing emergency as global health investment risks falling to its lowest level in a decade, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned.
Ukraine and several Baltic and Nordic states are withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, citing security threats from Russia.
Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months despite U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog has said.
President Donald Trump says a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could potentially be reached within the next week, as U.S. mediation efforts intensify.
Israeli forces have detained several individuals in southern Syria suspected of terrorist activity following raids targeting weapons storage sites.
The U.S. Senate advanced President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill on Saturday despite Democratic criticism that it benefits the wealthy over social programmes.
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