Genentech Reports Positive Phase Ib Results for Its Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist CT-388 in People With Obesity

Rhea-AI Summary

Genentech, part of the Roche Group, reported positive Phase Ib results for its dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, CT-388, in treating obesity.

Over 24 weeks, a weekly subcutaneous injection of CT-388 led to a significant placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8% (p < 0.001). Important results included 100% of treated participants achieving over 5% weight loss, 70% over 15%, and 45% over 20%. Additionally, pre-diabetic participants normalized their glycemia levels.

No new safety signals were detected. Adverse events were consistent with the incretin drug class. Further trials involving obese patients with type 2 diabetes are expected to report results in the second half of 2024.

Positive

• CT-388 achieved a mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8%.
• 100% of participants treated with CT-388 achieved over 5% weight loss.
• 70% of participants achieved over 15% weight loss, and 45% achieved over 20% weight loss.
• All pre-diabetic participants normalized glycemia after 24 weeks of CT-388 treatment.
• No new or unexpected safety signals were detected.
• The treatment showed a tolerable safety profile consistent with the incretin class.

Negative

• Mild to moderate gastrointestinal-related adverse events were the most common side effects.
• Results from additional trials involving obese patients with type 2 diabetes are not expected until the second half of 2024, delaying potential market readiness.

– Over 24 weeks, a once-weekly subcutaneous injection of CT-388 achieved a clinically meaningful and statistically significant mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8% (p < 0.001) –

– At week 24, 100% of CT-388 treated participants achieved >5% weight loss, 70% achieved >15% and 45% achieved >20% weight loss –

– In a subgroup with pre-diabetes at baseline, CT-388 treatment normalized glycemia in all patients, indicating its strong impact on glucose homeostasis –

– No new or unexpected safety signals were detected. Overall, CT-388 demonstrated a safety and tolerability profile consistent with its drug class –

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), today announced positive results from the Phase Ib clinical trial of CT-388, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist being developed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that a once-weekly subcutaneous injection of CT-388 over 24 weeks resulted in significant weight loss in healthy adults with obesity compared to placebo. The weight loss achieved with CT-388 was clinically meaningful, with a mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8% (p-value < 0.001). At week 24, 100% of CT-388 treated participants achieved a weight loss of >5%, 85% achieved >10%, 70% achieved >15%, and 45% achieved >20%. The treatment was well tolerated, with mild to moderate gastrointestinal-related adverse events being the most common, consistent with the incretin class of medicines that CT-388 belongs to. All participants with a pre-diabetes status at baseline became normoglycemic after 24 weeks of CT-388 treatment, whereas glycemic status of participants treated with placebo remained largely unchanged during this period.

“We are very pleased to see the significant and clinically meaningful weight loss in people treated with CT-388,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. “The results are highly encouraging for further development of CT-388 for both obesity and type 2 diabetes and underscore its potential to become a best-in-class therapy with durable weight loss and glucose control.”

Obesity is one of the most urgent health challenges in the world with extensive comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, steatohepatitis and chronic kidney disease. Over four billion people – about 50% of the world’s population – are estimated to be impacted by obesity or being overweight by 2035. The growing number puts an incredible strain on societies and healthcare systems around the world.

CT-388 belongs to the class of incretin-based medicines that aim to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite. It selectively targets and activates two specific receptors in the body, known as GLP-1 and GIP, which integrate nutrient-derived signals to control food intake, energy absorption and assimilation. It is hypothesized that the dual targeting effect of CT-388 could result in a meaningful durable glucose reduction and weight loss, in addition to a favorable safety profile.

An additional cohort from the ongoing placebo-controlled Phase Ib trial of CT-388 will evaluate obese patients (BMI>30 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes over a 12-week treatment duration. Roche expects data from this additional cohort in the second half of 2024.

About the CT-388 study

The CT-388-101 trial is a multi-arm, multi-cohort Phase Ib randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CT-388 in otherwise-healthy adult participants with overweight or obesity and in participants with obesity and type-2 diabetes mellitus. The primary endpoint of the trial is safety and tolerability of CT-388; secondary endpoints include its effect on body weight and glucose homeostasis. Pharmacokinetics and other pharmacodynamic effects of CT-388 were also assessed.

About CT-388

CT-388 is a once-weekly subcutaneous injectable, dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist being developed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). CT-388 was designed to have potent activity on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors but with minimal to no ß-arrestin recruitment on either receptor. This biased signaling significantly minimizes receptor internalization and consequent desensitization, which is expected to lead to prolonged pharmacological activity. It is currently being studied in a multi-part, multi-cohort Phase 1 clinical trial in people with overweight/obesity with and without T2D.

About Genentech

Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240515237076/en/

Media Contact:

Meghan Hindman, (650) 467-6800

Investor Contacts:

Loren Kalm, (650) 225-3217

Bruno Eschli, +41 61 687 5284

Source: Genentech

FAQ

What were the Phase Ib results for Genentech's CT-388?

The Phase Ib results showed a significant placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8%, with 100% of participants achieving over 5% weight loss, 70% over 15%, and 45% over 20%.

How effective was CT-388 in normalizing glycemia?

All pre-diabetic participants normalized their glycemia levels after 24 weeks of treatment with CT-388.

What side effects were observed with CT-388?

The most common side effects were mild to moderate gastrointestinal-related adverse events, consistent with the incretin drug class.

What is the expected timeline for further CT-388 trials?

Further trials involving obese patients with type 2 diabetes are expected to report results in the second half of 2024.

What is the significance of CT-388's Phase Ib results for obesity treatment?

CT-388 showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful weight loss, highlighting its potential as a best-in-class therapy for obesity and type 2 diabetes.