Structure Therapeutics' Obesity Pill Data Sends Shares Soaring
Shares of biotech startup Structure Therapeutics surged over 30% after its experimental obesity pill showed promising results in an early-stage trial, helping participants lose an average of 10 pounds in four weeks. The company plans to conduct further midstage trials for diabetes and obesity treatment. Structure's pill belongs to the same class as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, which have gained popularity for their weight loss benefits. Analysts predict the obesity drug market could reach $100 billion globally by the end of the decade, and Structure's pill could compete with other oral obesity drugs from Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer. The availability of cheaper and more convenient pill versions of GLP-1s could increase patient access and expand the market.