MW Structure details positive trial data for a weight-loss pill, and the stock rockets
By Jaimy Lee
The biopharma company now plans to start a Phase 3 trial for the drug next year
Structure Therapeutics is developing a daily GLP-1 receptor pill called aleniglipron.
Structure Therapeutics' stock soared toward an 18-month high in early Monday trading, after mid-stage data for its oral daily GLP-1 receptor appeared comparable to that of one of Eli Lilly's experimental weight-loss pills.
The biopharmaceutical company $(GPCR)$, which went public in early 2023, is one of only a few independent obesity biotechs with later-stage drugs in development. Investors have been waiting for the Phase 2b readout to understand if aleniglipron has the potential to serve as a "scaffold" for Structure's portfolio, according to Stifel analysts.
Structure now plans to advance the drug to Phase 3 in mid-2026.
The stock shot up 31.5% in premarket trading, as it heads toward the biggest one-day gain since the record 54.2% rally seen on June 3, 2024. The stock was on track to open around the highest levels seen since June 2024.
In the trial, which enrolled 230 patients with obesity or overweight with at least one related co-morbidity, a 120 mg dose of the experimental pill led to placebo-adjusted weight loss of 11.3% after 36 weeks. About 85% of participants who received this dose, which is the highest for this trial, had at least 5% weight loss.
The drug had a treatment-related discontinuation rate of 10.4%. Investors pay close attention to discontinuation rates for obesity drugs given their high rates of nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort. The company did not share specific safety data, though it said aleniglipron had a "compelling off-target safety profile."
Though it's difficult to compare clinical trials because they are not designed the same, Lilly's $(LLY)$ Phase 2 study for orfoglipron produced 14.7% weight loss at 36 weeks and had a discontinuation rate of up to 17% across doses.
Lilly's stock edged up 0.4% in Monday's premarket.
The FDA is expected to decide whether to approve Lilly's drug in the first half of next year, though Lilly has not yet submitted the drug to the regulator. However, orfoglipron received what is called the National Priority Voucher, a new program established by current FDA leadership, that is expected to speed up the regulatory process.
Structure's stock has rallied 27.4% in 2025 through Friday. Aleniglipron is its most advanced therapy.
-Jaimy Lee
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December 08, 2025 09:12 ET (14:12 GMT)
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