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Pascal Soriot, the chief of pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, has issued a cautionary note regarding the use of popular weight loss drugs, such as Wegovy, warning that they may lead to the loss of muscle mass. Soriot’s remarks come amid the widespread usage of obesity medications, with drugs like Wegovy gaining popularity for their ability to mimic a hormone that induces feelings of satiety.
In an interview reported by the Telegraph, Soriot emphasized the need for pharmaceutical companies to refine these drugs to target fat loss while preserving muscle mass. He highlighted a common issue with existing treatments: once patients discontinue medication, they often regain fat, but not necessarily the muscle lost during the weight loss process unless they engage in regular exercise.
“Today you lose weight but you lose fat and you lose muscle. The problem with many of (the treatments) is when you stop, you regain weight, because obesity is a chronic disease,” Soriot stated.
Moreover, Soriot urged companies to enhance the quality and longevity of weight loss drugs to address obesity as a chronic condition effectively. This call for improvement comes amid a slew of studies pointing out various risks associated with popular medications like Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Saxenda.
One study published in JAMA found that medications known as GLP-1 agonists, initially developed for managing Type-2 diabetes, are linked to serious medical conditions including stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction. Additionally, concerns have been raised about potential psychological side effects, leading to investigations by regulatory agencies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Despite these concerns, the demand for obesity treatments is on the rise, with the industry projected to reach a value of $90 billion in the coming years. However, Soriot also highlighted potential environmental implications, noting the increase in plastic packaging associated with the widespread use of these medications.
Amidst these challenges, AstraZeneca is working on developing its own weight-loss treatments, aiming to introduce new, potentially more affordable options to the market. The company, known for its Covid vaccine, is collaborating with Chinese biotech company Eccogene on an experimental pill, demonstrating its commitment to addressing obesity and related conditions globally.
Soriot emphasized AstraZeneca’s focus on creating medications that could be accessible to populations in poorer countries, not just Western nations. Additionally, the company aims to combine its medicines to address various issues related to weight, such as hypertension and heart disease, further underlining its dedication to improving global public health.
As the discussion around obesity treatment evolves, Soriot’s remarks underscore the importance of prioritizing both efficacy and safety in developing solutions for this complex and widespread health issue.
