Palatin finishes phase 2 trial in obesity treatment study

CRANBURY, N.J. - Palatin Technologies (NYSE:PTN), Inc. (NYSE American: PTN) has announced the completion of their Phase 2 clinical trial for an obesity treatment, marking a key step in the development of a potential new therapy. The study, named BMT-801, tested the safety and efficacy of a combination of MC4R bremelanotide and GLP-1/GIP tirzepatide in treating obesity. According to InvestingPro data, Palatin, currently valued at $20.3 million, faces significant financial challenges with a weak overall financial health score and rapidly diminishing cash reserves.

The last patient in the trial recently completed their final visit, with topline data expected to be released later this quarter. The trial, which aimed to enroll 60 patients, saw strong demand and ultimately included 113 participants, with 96 randomized across four U.S. clinical trial sites. With the company’s stock trading at $0.87, down nearly 80% over the past year, investors await these results eagerly. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently fairly valued, with additional insights available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report.

The primary goal of the Phase 2 trial was to assess the safety and potential effectiveness of the combined treatment regimen in reducing body weight. Patients initially received only tirzepatide for four weeks before being randomized to one of four treatment regimens. Multiple assessments were conducted to evaluate the safety and impact of bremelanotide as either a standalone treatment or in combination with GLP-1/GIP therapy.

Palatin’s President & CEO, Dr. Carl Spana, expressed optimism about the study’s implications for future clinical and development programs. He highlighted the potential additive and synergistic effects of the combination on patient weight loss, and its relevance for addressing general obesity, weight loss management, and specific hypothalamic obesity conditions.

The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) pathway, central to the study, is known to play a crucial role in appetite regulation and energy management. MC4R agonists, such as those developed by Palatin, could offer a novel approach to obesity treatment.

Palatin, focused on first-in-class medicines that modulate the melanocortin receptor system, plans to form marketing collaborations to maximize the commercial potential of its products. The completion of this trial could be a significant milestone for Palatin and the broader medical community in the ongoing fight against obesity. While the company’s revenue stands at $2.38 million for the last twelve months, InvestingPro subscribers can access over 30 additional financial metrics and 10 exclusive ProTips to better understand the company’s potential and challenges in this competitive market.

This article is based on a press release statement from Palatin Technologies, Inc.

In other recent news, Palatin Technologies, Inc. has announced its corporate milestones for 2025, focusing primarily on the development of treatments for obesity and related diseases. The company is preparing to report topline results from a Phase 2 clinical study of its MC4R agonist bremelanotide in combination with the dual agonist tirzepatide. Furthermore, Palatin’s obesity programs are set to expand in the second half of 2025 with the initiation of multiple clinical trials involving a long-acting MC4R peptide and an MC4R selective oral small molecule compound.

In addition to obesity programs, Palatin is engaged in discussions for licensing, collaboration, and spinout deals for its dry eye disease, ulcerative colitis, and diabetic nephropathy programs. H.C. Wainwright maintained a Buy rating on shares of Palatin Technologies after the company completed the enrollment phase of its Phase 2 clinical trial for PL8177, a melanocortin-1 receptor agonist being tested for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

The company’s strategic shift towards its obesity program has prompted the company to actively look for third-party partners to take over the development of PL8177. This move is part of a broader strategy to refocus resources on areas of higher priority within their portfolio. These developments are part of the company’s recent endeavors to advance its product candidates and maximize their commercial potential.

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