Immunic drug candidate may offer new obesity treatment - ICYMI

Core Insights - Immunic Inc's drug candidate IMU-856 shows potential as an oral treatment for obesity by significantly increasing endogenous GLP-1 levels in a dose-dependent manner [1][10] Company Developments - The latest data indicates that IMU-856, initially studied for celiac disease, has additional pharmacological activity impacting GLP-1 levels [2][8] - In a Phase 1b clinical trial, patients treated with the highest dose of 160 mg showed a 250% increase in GLP-1 levels after four weeks [4][8] - Preclinical studies in rats demonstrated a significant reduction in weight gain, with the high-dose group experiencing a 40% lower weight gain compared to placebo [6][7] Industry Context - The global obesity treatment market is projected to reach $170 billion, highlighting the demand for effective treatment options [10] - Current obesity treatments primarily consist of injectable incretin mimetics, indicating a market opportunity for oral alternatives like IMU-856 [9][10]