Zealand Pharma (ZEAL) 2024 Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference summary

Amylin as an obesity target

• Renewed interest in amylin for obesity due to unique satiety signaling and better GI tolerability compared to GLP-1s.

• Petrelintide, a long-acting amylin agonist, targets both amylin and calcitonin receptors for enhanced weight loss.

• Phase I-B data show up to 8.6% weight loss in 16 weeks, with projections of 15%-20% with longer exposure.

• Safety profile shows fewer and milder GI side effects than GLP-1s, with minimal impact on calcium metabolism.

• Monotherapy approach aims to establish amylin as a new backbone for obesity treatment, with potential for combination strategies.

Clinical development and differentiation

• Phase II will include multiple arms, titrating to highest safe doses, with interim and full data readouts planned.

• Petrelintide can be formulated at physiologic pH, is stable, and allows flexible combination with other agents.

• Differentiation from competitors includes balanced amylin/calcitonin activity, longer half-life, and potential for best-in-class efficacy.

• Plans to test in type 2 diabetes, aiming for similar weight loss in diabetic and non-diabetic populations.

• Combination studies with GLP-1s and other agents are planned, informed by competitor trial outcomes.

Other pipeline assets

• Dapiglutide (GLP-1/GLP-2 agonist) shows GLP-1-like weight loss, with potential for >15%-20% reduction at higher doses.

• GLP-2 component may offer anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective benefits, especially for gut and liver.

• Full data for dapiglutide expected at a scientific congress in early next year, including inflammation markers.

• Survodutide (partnered with BI) phase III trials in obesity are on track for completion by end of 2025; MASH trials to be initiated soon.

• Early-stage programs focus on novel peptide combinations to enhance weight loss and preserve lean mass.