New weight loss pill Amycretin is more effective than Semaglutide
The Danish company Novo Nordisk recently revealed the preliminary results of a phase 1 clinical trial, which suggests that amycretin, an experimental medication they developed to treat obesity, may significantly improve weight loss compared to Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide). The business has not yet disclosed when to publish the data in a peer-reviewed publication. Given that adults with type 2 diabetes are primarily prescribed Ozempic and Wegovy to help control their blood sugar levels, this may not come as a surprise. Even though all semaglutide medications seem to be linked to weight loss, only Wegovy has received FDA approval for long-term weight management in adults.
These drugs, which are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, function by imitating the actions of a hormone that aids in controlling hunger and blood sugar levels. According to preliminary findings, taking amycretin for three months reduced body weight by 13%. According to earlier studies, semaglutide reduced body weight by about 6% over a comparable period. Experts, however, have stressed the need for more comprehensive research to verify the long-term benefits and safety profile of amycretin. Despite these cautions, Novo Nordisk’s stock value surged by over 8% following the drug’s presentation at an investor meeting on March 7, 2024.
The surging interest in a new class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists has propelled Novo Nordisk to become the most valuable company in Europe, despite facing significant supply shortages due to high demand. Amycretin differentiates itself from semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirazepide) by being administered orally as a pill rather than through a weekly injection.
The limited information available suggests this method could be quite promising, but it is important to note that much more data are required. This is because amycretin has yet to be evaluated against other medications in a direct comparison trial. At a recent investor event, a senior development executive from Novo Nordisk highlighted the potential for amycretin to match the effectiveness and safety profile of CagriSema, another GLP-1 agonist drug by the company, targeting amylin. The company anticipates the results of a study on an injectable version of amycretin to be released next year. Based on these findings, Novo Nordisk intends to initiate a comprehensive development program.
In an amycretin trial with sixteen subjects weighing an average of eighty-nine kilograms, the placebo group lost one percent of their body weight over twelve weeks. Research shows that GLP-1 agonist drugs can lower the risk of obesity-related cardiovascular diseases, but they also raise the risk of gastrointestinal problems. Patients must know that studies indicate most people who stop taking these medications end up gaining back most of the weight they have lost.
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