Clinical-stage weight loss contenders are a dime a dozen these days. As the competition mounts, drugs that ultimately hit the market will need an edge to gain traction. For some, the strategy is to score approvals on multiple fronts. 

Boehringer Ingelheim is gunning for wins in obesity and MASH with a glucagon and GLP-1 receptor dual agonist dubbed survodutide. On the heels of positive mid-stage data for both indications, the company is advancing into phase 3 trials and notched an FDA breakthrough therapy designation in MASH last month. 

As its late-stage studies get underway, the German pharma is also teaming up with Walgreens to integrate diversity initiatives into its clinical program. As part of the partnership, Boehringer Ingelheim will leverage Walgreens’ clinical trial centers and recruitment capabilities for phase 3 trials in obesity. 

These kinds of partnerships are a boon to Walgreens, which has managed to keep its clinical trials business afloat while other pharmacy giants have faltered. Today, we’re looking at how clinical trials fit into Walgreens’ broader business goals as it navigates strong fiscal headwinds.  

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