AstraZeneca's Obesity Pills Show Promising Results in Phase I Trials

AstraZeneca, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has revealed positive results from its Phase I trials for two experimental obesity pills, AZD5004 and AZD7442. These drugs have shown potential in reducing body weight and improving overall health, offering hope for those struggling with obesity and its associated health risks.

AZD5004, a once-daily pill, demonstrated an average body weight reduction of 5.8% over four weeks in a Phase I trial. This result compares favorably to existing treatments, such as Eli Lilly's Wegovy, which resulted in an average weight loss of 15% over 68 weeks. However, the long-term effects and duration of weight loss with AZD5004 are yet to be determined, as the trial was not designed to assess long-term effects.


AZD7442, a combination of two long-acting antibodies (LAAB), achieved a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 in the PROVENT Phase III pre-exposure prophylaxis trial. The drug reduced the risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19 by 77% compared to placebo, with no cases of severe COVID-19 or COVID-19-related deaths in those treated with AZD7442. This makes AZD7442 the first antibody combination (non-vaccine) modified to potentially provide long-lasting protection that has demonstrated prevention of COVID-19 in a clinical trial.


The safety profile of AstraZeneca's obesity pills appears promising. AZD5004 was well-tolerated, with no severe adverse events reported. The most common side effects were nausea and vomiting, which were dose-dependent and also experienced by participants in the placebo group. AZD7442 was also well-tolerated, with preliminary analyses showing adverse events balanced between the placebo and AZD1.

The cost-effectiveness of AstraZeneca's obesity pills compared to existing treatments is yet to be determined. Current injectable treatments like Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy have shown significant weight loss but come with higher price tags. The long-term efficacy and safety data, as well as the potential cost, will be crucial factors in assessing the cost-effectiveness of AZD5004 and AZD7442.

In conclusion, AstraZeneca's obesity pills have shown promising results in Phase I trials, with AZD5004 demonstrating weight loss and AZD7442 showing potential in COVID-19 prophylaxis. As further trials are conducted to assess their long-term effects and safety, investors should keep an eye on these developments. The potential of these drugs to address obesity and its associated health risks, as well as their potential impact on the pharmaceutical industry, makes them an interesting area to watch for those seeking stable, income-focused investments.