Novo Nordisk Commits €432M to Irish Plant as Roche’s Obesity Drug Lags
Roche’s Phase 2 ZUPREME-1 obesity drug petrelintide achieved up to 10.7% weight loss in 493 patients, trailing leading GLP-1 treatments from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Novo Nordisk plans €432 million upgrade of its Athlone, Ireland plant to expand oral GLP-1 capacity, create up to 500 jobs, completing by 2028.
1. Competitor Trial Results
Roche’s Genentech unit reported Phase 2 ZUPREME-1 topline data showing petrelintide delivered up to 10.7% mean weight loss over 28 weeks in 493 obese participants (mean BMI 37 kg/m²), a result below expectations and trailing the 15-20% losses seen with Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide and Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide. The trial met its primary endpoint with a 4.8% discontinuation rate due to adverse events, similar to placebo, and no unexpected safety signals.
2. Irish Production Expansion
Novo Nordisk plans a €432 million upgrade of its Athlone, Ireland facility to augment oral GLP-1 manufacturing capacity for drugs like oral semaglutide, creating up to 500 jobs at the 45-acre site. Construction has begun and is scheduled for phased completion from late 2027 through 2028, positioning the plant as a strategic hub to serve markets outside the US.