Preliminary results from a small trial suggest that Novo Nordisk's experimental weight loss pill could be twice as effective as popular injectable treatments like Ozempic.
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Novo Nordisk's Amycretin Outperforms Ozempic and Wegovy in Early Trials
Novo Nordisk's experimental weight loss pill, amycretin, demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, inducing a 13% body weight loss in a phase one trial. This surpasses the outcomes observed with the company's existing drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, which typically result in around a 6% body weight loss over a similar period.
Despite the promising early results, experts caution that additional extensive research is imperative to ascertain the long-term efficacy and safety of amycretin.
The positive announcement at an investor event led to an immediate surge of over 8% in Novo Nordisk's shares, underlining the significant market interest and demand for innovative weight loss solutions. The emergence of GLP-1 agonists, a new generation of drugs, has already positioned Novo Nordisk as Europe's most valuable company.
However, the widespread demand has triggered notable stock shortages, reflecting the urgency for effective weight management options.
Amycretin distinguishes itself from other semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy as it is administered orally rather than through a weekly injection. Mimicking the appetite-reducing gut hormone GLP-1, amycretin also emulates another hormone called amylin. While these early findings appear promising, the drug has not yet undergone a direct comparison with other medications in a head-to-head trial, necessitating further comprehensive research.
Novo Nordisk's executive vice president for development, Martin Holst Lange, expressed optimism about amycretin's potential, highlighting its efficacy and safety comparable to CagriSema, another GLP-1 agonist targeting amylin. Plans for an injectable amycretin trial are underway, with anticipated results expected next year, paving the way for an ambitious development program.
Despite the positive strides, the broader challenges associated with GLP-1 agonists, including gastrointestinal issues and weight regain after discontinuation, underscore the complexity of addressing obesity-related health concerns.
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Oral Drugs Revolutionize Weight Loss for Diabetes and Obesity
The new generation of drugs for type 2 diabetes and obesity, including Ozempic and Wegovy, shows significant progress in weight loss, but ongoing research aims for further improvements.
Emerging options promise enhanced convenience, heightened weight loss, and additional health benefits, offering optimism for diverse and effective interventions. Dr. Louis Aronne, from Weill Cornell Medicine, acknowledges the positive developments, emphasizing the need for drugs with varied mechanisms to address weight-related challenges.
Experimental weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, are evolving from injectables to oral forms. Novo Nordisk's semaglutide in tablet form, called Rybelsus, is being tested at higher doses for weight loss, showing a 15% reduction over 68 weeks, surpassing injectable alternatives.
However, oral semaglutide requires strict administration conditions, limiting its convenience. Pfizer is developing oral GLP-1 drugs, like danuglipron, with promising mid-stage results, and a once-daily option, lotiglipron.
Approximately 20 other oral drugs for obesity and related conditions are in development, signaling a potential revolution in weight management medications.
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