In the ever-evolving world of GLP-1 drugs, Roche’s nearly $3 billion acquisition of Carmot Therapeutics last month may serve as a major differentiator, according to an analysis released Friday morning.

By picking up Carmot and its three lead molecules — which are all GLP-1 analogues and being tested in advanced stages of clinical trials — Roche is on par with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the current leaders in the obesity drug space, according to analytics company GlobalData.

In the deal, Roche is adding CT-388, a Phase-2 ready, weekly-administered dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for treating obesity in patients with and without type 2 diabetes; CT-996, a once-daily oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist currently in Phase-1 trials for treating obesity in patients with and without type 2 diabetes; and CT-868, a Phase-2, once-daily injectable, dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for treating type 1 diabetes patients with overweight or obesity.

Roche also received access to Carmot’s research and development (R&D) portfolio of clinical and pre-clinical assets. 

The analysis posited that GLP-1 analogues are a “high-impact innovation” based on accelerating patent trends and the sales successes of Novo and Lilly, which have seen their share prices and bottom lines swell on the back of unprecedented demand. 

These GLP-1 analogues have also shown early potential for expanded indications, including applications for neurological disorders and NASH type hepatitis, according to the analysis.

Sourabh Nyalkalkar, the head of the innovation products practice at GlobalData, noted that as an industry standard bearer Roche, has traditionally focused its R&D efforts on cancer research, diagnostics, and gene therapies. That’s why – until its purchase of Carmot – that treatments for lifestyle disorders, like GLP-1 analogues, were not a key focus for the organization.

He said Roche’s “well-timed move” follows the coattails of the successes achieved by GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound.

“The shift in Roche’s position is evident on the innovation leadership map. This move also signals a potential trend, suggesting that other major pharmaceutical players with a strong market presence may be actively seeking targets with robust innovation portfolios in GLP-1 analogues. The Technology Foresights model emerges as a valuable tool for evaluating potential targets in this evolving landscape.”