Novo Nordisk Headquarters
Novo Nordisk headquarters. Courtesy of News Øresund - Johan Wessman - Licensed under CC BY 3.0. Photo link: Flickr.

Novo Nordisk announced promising results from its phase 1b/2a trial of amycretin, a once-weekly subcutaneous GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist for adults with overweight or obesity. The trial demonstrated significant weight-loss outcomes, with participants achieving an average weight reduction of 9.7% at 20 weeks (1.25 mg), 16.2% at 28 weeks (5 mg), and 22.0% at 36 weeks (20 mg). The results assume that all participants followed the treatment plan exactly as prescribed.

The trial also confirmed a safety profile consistent with existing incretin-based therapies, with gastrointestinal adverse events being the most common, and largely mild to moderate in severity.

While the results show the weight-loss potential of amycretin, its journey to market is still in the early stages. The drug must successfully complete phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, followed by the FDA’s review and approval process. Novo Nordisk remains committed to advancing amycretin's development, with parallel efforts on both subcutaneous and oral formulations.

These results are a step forward in Novo Nordisk's efforts to expand its obesity treatment portfolio amid increasing competition.

For more information, please visit Fierce Biotech or Novo Nordisk.