Novo Nordisk reported encouraging mid-stage results for its investigational obesity drug amycretin, showing up to 14.5% weight loss in type 2 diabetic patients over 36 weeks. The drug also reduced blood glucose significantly and is scheduled for late-stage testing in 2026.
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk announced positive mid-stage clinical trial outcomes for amycretin, its next-generation obesity and diabetes drug. Designed to target the gut hormone GLP-1 and the pancreatic hormone amylin, amycretin showed significant weight reductions — up to 14.5% with weekly injections and 10.1% with oral doses over a 36-week period — in people with type 2 diabetes.
The trial involved 448 participants who were insufficiently controlled on metformin or without SGLT2 inhibitors. Besides weight loss, 89.1% of injection-treated patients achieved HbA1c levels below 7%, indicating effective blood sugar control. Side effects were mainly mild gastrointestinal issues.
This drug is seen as a potential best-in-class successor to Novo’s existing obesity treatment, Wegovy (semaglutide), especially vital given upcoming patent expiries. Novo Nordisk plans to initiate late-stage trials across multiple indications in 2026, aiming to strengthen its leadership in the obesity treatment market.
Key highlights:
-
Amycretin targets GLP-1 and amylin hormones, enhancing weight loss and glucose control
-
Mid-stage trial showed up to 14.5% weight loss with injections, 10.1% with oral doses
-
89.1% injection group achieved target HbA1c control level (<7%)
-
Side effects primarily mild gastrointestinal discomfort
-
Late-stage trials planned for 2026 across diabetes and obesity indications
-
Seen as a crucial addition following setbacks in Alzheimer’s trials of semaglutide
Sources: CNBC, Reuters, Economic Times