Regeneron is interested in obesity treatments that combat muscle loss

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Today, we talk about two players that want to join the obesity market with updates to the GLP-1 class: Amgen and Regeneron. Also, a draft bill in Congress would restrict U.S. involvement with Chinese biotechs.

The need-to-know this morning

• The investment arm of Novo Nordisk’s parent foundation is buying drug manufacturer Catalent in a $16.5 billion deal, an acquisition that will give Novo additional sites as it builds up production of its booming obesity and diabetes drugs.
• BridgeBio Pharma said the FDA accepted its marketing application for acoramidis to treat patients with the heart disease known as ATTR-CM. An approval decision is expected on or before Nov. 29.
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals reports fourth quarter and 2023 earnings today, after market close. Eli Lilly reports earnings tomorrow morning.

Amgen wants experimental obesity drug to be tapered

Amgen wants to create an obesity drug that patients can wean over time instead of being taken at the same dose in perpetuity. Early data suggest its drug candidate, called MariTide, might fit the bill and offer longer-lasting weight loss effects than obesity drugs on the market like Wegovy and Zepbound.

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