In a recent announcement, Boehringer Ingelheim has decided to end the development of one of its obesity drug candidates from its partnership with Danish biotech firm Gubra. Originally established in 2017, the collaboration aimed to advance multiple obesity treatments, with Boehringer pledging up to €250 million ($300 million) in funding. Despite this setback, Gubra has confirmed that three other joint projects are still progressing, including a potential first-in-class triple agonist currently undergoing phase 1 trials and two additional preclinical assets.
The discontinued drug, known as BI 1820237, was designed to target the neuropeptide Y receptor type 2, an approach distinct from the widely used GLP-1 agonists in the current obesity treatment landscape. Unlike drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, which have demonstrated efficacy but are often accompanied by gastrointestinal side effects, BI 1820237 aimed to minimize these side effects. However, the drug’s phase 1 trial results, completed in August with 124 participants, reported that nearly 39% of patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, undermining hopes for an alternative with fewer side effects.
While Gubra’s release did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind Boehringer’s decision, the company continues to explore other promising avenues in obesity treatment. Boehringer is also collaborating with Zealand Pharma on another obesity drug, survodutide, a dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Survodutide achieved a notable 19% weight reduction in a phase 2 trial last year and is now advancing to phase 3 trials.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges and fierce competition in the obesity drug market as companies seek effective, safer treatments amid growing demand.
