Amgen’s stock fell sharply in premarket trading, dropping 7.7% to $271.48, despite positive results from its Phase 2 study of experimental weight-loss drug MariTide.
Promising Data from MariTide Study
Amgen’s statement highlighted encouraging results from the 52-week study:
- Non-diabetic participants:Achieved an average 20% weight loss, with no plateau observed, suggesting potential for continued weight reduction beyond one year.
- Participants with Type 2 diabetes:Reported an average 17% weight loss over the same period.
The study involved nearly 600 adults living with obesity or overweight, showcasing MariTide’s potential as a competitive player in the weight-loss drug market.
Stock Reaction and Market Context
Despite the promising data, Amgen shares dropped 7.7% in premarket trading, marking the stock’s largest one-day percentage decline in over four years, according to Dow Jones Market Data.
In contrast, rival pharmaceutical companies gained ground:
- Novo Nordisk (NVO): Shares rose 2.1%.
- Eli Lilly (LLY): Shares climbed 4.5%.
The decline in Amgen’s stock suggests investor concerns about competition in the highly lucrative weight-loss drug market, where Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly currently dominate with drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Government Policy Boosts Competitor Optimism
Adding to market dynamics, the Biden Administration announced plans on Tuesday to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications, further bolstering optimism for established players like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
Takeaway
While Amgen’s MariTide results highlight potential breakthroughs in weight-loss treatment, the stock’s decline underscores competitive pressure and investor caution in a rapidly evolving market. With government policies set to expand access to weight-loss drugs, the stakes are higher than ever for pharmaceutical companies vying for dominance.
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