Amycretin Breakthrough: Experimental Drug Cuts Nearly 25% Body Weight in Trials

In a groundbreaking stride for weight management, a new experimental drug called amycretin, developed by Novo Nordisk, has shown jaw-dropping results in early trials. Participants in phase 1a/2b studies lost nearly 25% of their body weight—a figure that could redefine the fight against obesity.

This innovative medication mimics two key hunger hormones, amylin and GLP-1, creating a powerful dual effect. Amylin helps regulate appetite and promotes a sense of fullness, while GLP-1, already a cornerstone in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, suppresses appetite and enhances insulin production. The result? A potential game-changer in a single molecule.

In a study involving 125 overweight or obese adults, those receiving weekly injections of amycretin at the highest doses shed up to 24.3% of their weight in just 36 weeks, compared to a mere 1.1% in the placebo group. Even more striking, an oral version of the drug, taken daily, resulted in a 10-13% weight loss, depending on the dosage. What’s particularly exciting is that participants didn’t hit a weight-loss plateau—suggesting that longer use could yield even greater results.

While the numbers are impressive, the journey isn’t without bumps. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting, though these were reported as mild to moderate. As with any new treatment, experts caution that long-term benefits must be weighed against potential risks, emphasizing that obesity is a complex condition requiring a holistic approach beyond just medication.

Novo Nordisk is gearing up for phase 3 trials for both injectable and oral forms of amycretin, a step closer to potentially transforming weight management options. If these results hold, we might be witnessing the dawn of a new era in battling obesity—one pill or shot at a time.