Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) continued enrollment through September 2026 in the dedicated MARITIME switch trial that specifically tests whether patients currently on weekly semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) can be converted to monthly MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide, antibody-peptide conjugate combining GLP-1 receptor agonism with GIP receptor antagonism) with equivalent weight-loss maintenance and comparable tolerability. Filing for FDA approval is planned late 2026 to early 2027 with anticipated launch 2027-2028. Six total Phase 3 MariTide trials are enrolling across obesity (MARITIME-1), obesity plus type 2 diabetes (MARITIME-2), cardiovascular outcomes (MARITIME-CVD), heart failure (MARITIME-HF), obstructive sleep apnea (MARITIME-OSA), plus the switch trial. Cantor Fitzgerald analyst commentary earlier in 2026 had flagged a 4% bone mineral density decline signal from Phase 1 as a factor to watch; Phase 3 data on bone health will affect prescribing guidance especially for adults over 60 or with prior fracture history.
Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) continued through September 2026 the consolidation of its obesity portfolio around MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide, a monthly subcutaneous injectable antibody-peptide conjugate combining GLP-1 receptor agonist activity via the peptide component with GIP receptor antagonism via the antibody component) following the July 29, 2026 Q2 disclosure that Phase 1 AMG 513 development was halted. Amgen has launched a late-stage program specifically to test whether patients currently on weekly GLP-1 injections can be switched to monthly MariTide with equivalent efficacy and comparable tolerability — a differentiation strategy that uses the monthly dosing convenience as a switch driver rather than a first-line efficacy claim. Amgen expects to file for MariTide regulatory approval in late 2026 to early 2027. Six Phase 3 MariTide trials are enrolling across obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and obstructive sleep apnea. Cantor Fitzgerald analyst commentary earlier in 2026 had flagged a 4% bone mineral density decline signal from Phase 1 as a concern; Phase 3 data on bone health will factor into commercial positioning.
Ascletis announced multiple poster presentations at the 33rd European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) opening May 12 in Istanbul. ASC30, a first-in-class small-molecule GLP-1R fully biased agonist developed for once-daily oral and once-monthly to once-quarterly subcutaneous dosing, will be featured across formulation, PK, and clinical-data posters. The Phase 2 13-week study previously reported 7.7% placebo-adjusted weight loss at 60 mg oral dosing; the once-monthly subQ depot formulation achieved 7.5% placebo-adjusted weight loss at 16 weeks after three monthly doses, with topline T2D Phase 2 data expected Q3 2026. The subQ depot angle directly challenges Pfizer's MET-097i monthly thesis with a different mechanism (small-molecule GLP-1R biased agonist vs ultra-long-acting peptide).