Novo Nordisk’s Monlunabant Expectations Dashed By Phase II Data

Mid-stage clinical data show why cannabinoid receptor inverse agonism is an unfavored approach to obesity treatment.    

Novo Nordisk HQ
• Source: Shutterstock

Cannabinoid receptor modulation was always a leftfield approach to obesity, and the Phase IIa data snuck out by Novo Nordisk A/S on 20 September, late in the day for a Danish company, are somewhat limp.

Key Takeaways
  • Novo Nordisk’s oral cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) inverse agonist monlunabant has succeeded in a Phase II obesity trial, but the weight loss looks lower than the company’s stated expectations.
  • It also appears less potent than rival obesity pills on a cross-trial basis

The lowest dose of the oral cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) inverse agonist monlunabant allowed patients to drop 6.4% of their bodyweight after four months’ treatment

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