STAT+: Novo may be getting a better deal than expected with Medicare’s Bridge program

Viking’s obesity drug’s Phase 2 results, Lexeo expands beyond gene therapies, and more biotech news Adobe Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. As an avid Pilates goer, I appreciated this story. The need-to-know this morning Roche reported a positive Phase 2 trial of enicepatide (previously known as CT-388) in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, with the drug helping patients lose weight and lower blood sugar. The company already has two Phase 3 weight loss studies ongoing and is planning on starting another pivotal trial next year looking at blood sugar control and cardiovascular outcomes. Celldex Therapeutics said its experimental treatment for chronic hives achieved the goals of two Phase 3 clinical trials. Ionis Pharma said an experimental therapy for a rare form of ALS prolonged survival and slowed the progression of the disease in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The RNA-based drug, called ulefnersen, is licensed to the Japanese pharma company Otsuka. Viking drug shows potential for less frequent maintenance dosing Viking Therapeutics said this morning that in a Phase 2 trial, its injectable obesity candidate, initially tested as a weekly treatment, still looked to be efficacious after transitioning to every-other-week or monthly dosing. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe National Biotech Reporter Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70.