Discussion on Anti-Obesity Treatments (GLP-1)
OCT 2024
GLP-1 therapies are transforming healthcare. They offer promising advancements in treating obesity and related conditions. In the October 2024 issue of ONdrugDelivery, Kymanox CEO Stephen M. Perry participated in a roundtable discussion alongside Mathias Romacker, Kymanox Executive Advisor, and Andreas Schneider, Head of Innovation at Ypsomed. Together, they explored the future of GLP-1s and their potential to revolutionize care for a wide range of health issues. The insightful and wide-ranging discussion touches on various aspects from the transformative potential these drugs could have on patients’ lives, through the relative lack of digital connectivity in the pipeline, to the potential benefits, risks and pitfalls that the sheer scale of the GLP-1 and obesity market could pose to pharma.
Stephen highlighted that GLP-1 therapies have an unprecedented $125 billion impact. They can address obesity, heart disease, and cancer. He stressed the importance of developing connected, reusable drug delivery systems to improve patient adherence and outcomes.
Mathias Romacker contributed by emphasizing the sustainability challenges posed by the mass adoption of GLP-1s, given the anticipated increase in injection devices required. He also discussed the need for device innovation, including multi-dose, cartridge-based injectors, and highlighted the potential for biosimilars as GLP-1 patents expire, driving competition in the marketplace.
Andreas Schneider shared insights from Ypsomed’s research into patient preferences for drug delivery systems, revealing that patients may prefer injectable forms over oral formats when considering convenience and efficacy. He also addressed the global innovation pipeline for GLP-1s, noting the growing contributions from small biotech firms and non-Western companies, expanding the landscape of obesity-targeted therapies.
This engaging conversation showcases the depth of expertise across the industry and highlights the critical role that GLP-1 therapies are set to play in shaping the future of healthcare.
To read the full article, you can access the ONdrugDelivery issue here.
