Pfizer and Amgen race to launch monthly weight loss injections with stunning results

Two major drugmakers are working on new monthly injections for weight loss. Pfizer and Amgen have both reported promising results from trials of their experimental treatments. These drugs aim to cut down injection frequency while still helping patients shed significant weight.

The shift from weekly to monthly doses could make long-term treatment more manageable for many people. Pfizer’s drug, berobenatide, showed strong results in a 28-week trial. Patients lost up to 12.3% of their body weight. In a separate study, the same drug also helped control blood sugar levels.

Berobenatide works by binding to albumin, a protein in the blood. This attachment helps the drug stay active longer, reducing how often patients need injections.

Amgen’s drug, MariTide, produced even greater weight loss in a 52-week trial. Participants dropped as much as 20% of their body weight. The drug combines an antibody to extend its effects with a target on the GIP receptor.

Both companies are now testing whether their treatments could be taken even less frequently. Amgen is exploring doses every two months or every three months. The goal is to offer more flexibility for patients who may prefer fewer injections.

Not everyone will switch to a monthly routine, though. Some may still find a weekly schedule easier to maintain or more effective for their needs. The development of longer-lasting weight loss drugs could change how obesity is treated. Fewer injections might encourage more people to stick with their medication. Both Pfizer and Amgen plan to continue testing to refine dosing and effectiveness.