Novo Nordisk's experimental weight-loss pill, amycretin, has shown promising results in an early-stage trial, demonstrating significant weight loss with mild-to-moderate side effects. The Phase I trial data, presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Madrid, revealed that participants experienced up to 13.1% weight loss after 12 weeks of treatment. This outcome has fueled optimism about amycretin's potential as an effective oral therapy for obesity.
Amycretin's Mechanism of Action
Amycretin is designed to mimic the gut hormone GLP-1, similar to Wegovy, but it also targets amylin, a pancreatic hormone that affects hunger. This dual-action mechanism could provide a more comprehensive approach to weight management by both reducing appetite and improving satiety. Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk’s head of development, noted that the side effect profile observed was consistent with incretin-based therapies, primarily involving gastrointestinal issues.
Phase I Trial Details
The Phase I trial involved overweight or obese patients without diabetes who received escalating doses of amycretin, ranging from 3 mg to 100 mg (two 50 mg pills). Patients taking 50 mg of amycretin experienced an average weight reduction of 10.4%, while those on the maximum 2x50 mg dose saw a 13.1% reduction compared to a 1.1% weight loss in the placebo group. The observed side effects were predominantly mild to moderate, including nausea and vomiting.
Future Development Plans
The promising data from this Phase I trial has prompted considerations for the future development pathway of amycretin. Novo Nordisk is evaluating whether to proceed directly to a Phase III trial, potentially skipping Phase II, depending on the results from an early study of a subcutaneous formulation of the drug, expected next year. This decision reflects the company's confidence in amycretin's potential and the urgency to address the growing need for effective obesity treatments.
Market Impact and Competition
The success of injectable obesity drugs like Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound has transformed the weight-loss market. An oral option like amycretin could offer a more patient-friendly alternative, although producing pills with the necessary dosage of active ingredients can be more costly. Novo Nordisk's stock has seen substantial growth since the launch of Wegovy, underscoring the significant market value attributed to its pipeline of experimental drugs.
