SLIM ETF

Scholar Rock submitted its BLA of apitegromab for the treatment of patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with a request for Priority Review to be given. Apitegromab is being explored in the phase 2 proof-of-concept EMBRAZE study, given alongside GLP-1 drugs to treat patients with obesity; Data from this trial is expected in Q2 of 2025. Positive data from the phase 2 EMBRAZE study would lead to IND of SRK-439 in Q3 of 2025 to target obesity and other cardiometabolic disorders.

Metsera, Inc. aims to raise $275 million in an IPO to fund its clinical-stage biopharma programs targeting obesity and related conditions. The firm's lead candidate, MET-097i, is in Phase 2b trials, with preliminary results expected by mid-2025, but faces intense competition. Management plans to use IPO proceeds for clinical trials and operational expenses, with funds expected to last until 2027.

Northstrive Biosciences Inc., a Subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc., to Present Breakthrough Muscle Preservation Asset at Exclusive UCLA Obesity Symposium

Viking Therapeutics has promising clinical developments in obesity, NASH/MASH, and X-ALD, but its stock fell 50% due to broader GLP-1 market concerns. Despite Eli Lilly's Q4 miss, the long-term outlook for GLP-1 and obesity markets remains strong, suggesting VKTX's sell-off was unjustified. VKTX's valuation is appealing post-sell-off, with potential blockbuster drugs VK2735 and VK2809 targeting large, lucrative markets.

Few drugs have generated as much excitement as Novo Nordisk's (NVO -5.27%) Ozempic and Wegovy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic in December 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes.

Eli Lilly & Co. Chief Executive Officer Dave Ricks talks about paying $2.5 billion for a cancer drug being developed by Scorpion Therapeutics. He also says Lilly's experimental weight-loss pill could be approved in early 2026.

Eli Lilly & Co. Chief Executive Officer Dave Ricks talks about paying $2.5 billion for a cancer drug being developed by Scorpion Therapeutics. He also says Lilly's experimental weight-loss pill could be approved in early 2026.

On Wednesday, Novo Nordisk A/S NVO and Valo Health, Inc. entered into an expanded agreement to discover and develop novel treatments for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Tyrzepatide seems more effective than semaglutide, but the market for slimming drugs is quite large for both. Both companies have a dominant position in their industry and a solid financial position, but Eli Lilly seems too pricey right now. In contrast, Novo Nordisk seems rather cheap given. The number of obese people in the world is bound to increase unless there is a radical change in habits. This factor is the main long-term growth driver.