AbbVie Targets Obesity Market with Novel Drug
Phase I trial results for the company’s novel long-acting amylin analog, have demonstrated significant potential for patients to lose up to 9.79% of body weight in 12–13 weeks with no serious adverse events.
AbbVie has announced positive topline results from a Phase I clinical trial of its investigational obesity drug, ABBV-295, marking a significant early milestone in its bid to bring a new class of weight-loss drug to market. Data from the study demonstrated that patients lost between 7.75% and 9.79% of their body weight over just 12 to 13 weeks, compared to a negligible 0.25% in the placebo group (1).
The trial enrolled 76 adult participants with an average BMI below 30, predominantly male (88.3%), across multiple dosing cohorts. Doses ranged from 2 mg to 14 mg and were administered weekly, every other week, or monthly. Higher doses produced greater weight loss, confirming a dose-dependent response that gives researchers confidence the drug is working as intended. Additionally, no serious adverse events were reported across any dose level, with the most observed side effect being mild gastrointestinal issues, which largely resolved after the first six weeks of treatment (1).
"We are encouraged by these early results for ABBV-295, which demonstrate meaningful weight loss together with a well-tolerated safety profile," said Primal Kaur, M.D., Senior Vice President, Global Development of Immunology, Neuroscience, Eye Care and Specialty at AbbVie, in a company press release (1). "These initial results further reinforce the potential of ABBV-295 as a novel therapeutic option for people living with obesity."
Full results from both the single and multiple ascending dose portions of the study are expected to be presented at a future scientific conference. AbbVie expects the data to support continued development of the drug for chronic weight management.
ABBV-295 is an amylin analog, which is a synthetic version of amylin, a hormone the pancreas naturally releases when you eat. The drug works by activating amylin and calcitonin receptors in the brain, triggering signals that suppress appetite and slow digestion. This mechanism of action is distinct from glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1) drugs, such as semaglutide, which work through the gut's incretin system. Further, as the therapy bypasses the incretin pathway, it may be possible to avoid certain side effects that are commonly experienced with GLP-1 therapies, such as nausea, vomiting, and muscle loss.
The obesity drug market is projected to reach USD 150 billion by 2035 and is currently dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly (2). In the advent of continued progression of ABBV-295, AbbVie could position itself to capture a share of the market through a non-GLP-1 option that would diversify the treatment landscape and give prescribers a alternative therapeutic option.
References
Abbvie. AbbVie Announces Positive Topline Results from a Phase 1 Multiple Ascending Dose Study of ABBV-295, a Long-Acting Amylin Analog, in Adults. News, Mar. 09, 2026.
Morgan Stanley. The Exponential Growth of Obesity Drugs. Insights. May 09, 2025.