Pfizer scraps danuglipron's development after patient injury in trial

In Canada, Lexaria Bioscience Corp. announced significant updates regarding glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs on April 23, 2025, following contrasting industry developments from Pfizer and Eli Lilly. Pfizer disclosed on April 14, 2025, its decision to discontinue the development of danuglipron, an oral GLP-1 treatment, after a patient in clinical trials experienced a liver injury potentially linked to the drug. This decision came after Pfizer had previously halted another trial of danuglipron due to adverse side effects. Moreover, Pfizer has faced challenges in researching and developing its GLP-1 drugs, including lotiglipron, which was also associated with elevated liver enzymes in patient studies. These setbacks not only delay Pfizer’s progress in the GLP-1 market but also highlight the physiological risks associated with these treatments, raising questions about the safety and efficacy of similar GLP-1 drugs in the pipeline. In contrast to Pfizer’s struggles, Eli Lilly announced plans to seek approval for an oral GLP-1 drug targeting weight loss and diabetes by 2026. This drug could be among the first of its kind to gain FDA recognition, which has generated a positive market response. However, clinical trials have demonstrated that side effects remain a significant challenge in GLP-1 therapies, with many patients experiencing gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. The negative side effects, a known issue within the industry, have often led to treatment discontinuation, further complicating patient management. Lexaria, leveraging its proprietary DehydraTECH technology, aims to address these side effects by enhancing the bio-absorption of GLP-1 drugs and reducing gastrointestinal adverse events. Previous research has indicated that Lexaria's DehydraTECH can improve drug delivery efficiency, including across the blood-brain barrier. The company is currently involved in pilot testing for liraglutide, another existing GLP-1 drug, showcasing its commitment to advancing treatment options while mitigating adverse effects. As these developments unfold, the GLP-1 drug landscape is likely to see continued evolution, with Lexaria potentially positioned as a key player in the ongoing quest for safer and more effective treatments for weight loss and diabetes.