Novo Nordisk's Amycretin Shows Promise in Mid-Stage Weight Loss Trial

Novo Nordisk has bounced back from recent setbacks with encouraging mid-stage results for its next-generation weight loss drug, amycretin. The Danish pharmaceutical giant released data from a Phase II trial involving 448 people with type 2 diabetes, demonstrating significant weight reduction and improved glucose control.

Impressive Weight Loss and Glucose Control

The 36-week study evaluated both oral and subcutaneous formulations of amycretin, a long-acting drug that activates GLP-1 and amylin receptors to control blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. Key findings include:

• Daily oral amycretin: 7.6% placebo-adjusted reduction in body weight
• Weekly subcutaneous amycretin: 11.9% placebo-adjusted weight loss
• Subcutaneous formulation: 1.8% drop in HbA1c
• Oral formulation: 1.5% reduction in HbA1c

Notably, no weight loss plateau was observed for either administration route, suggesting potential for additional weight loss with longer treatment durations.

Safety Profile and Competitive Landscape

Novo Nordisk reported that amycretin was generally safe, with most side effects being gastrointestinal and mild to moderate in severity. However, BMO Capital Markets analysts flagged "limited tolerability data" in the company's release, noting that safety "still remains a key consideration" for the drug, particularly its oral formulation.

The mid-stage results position amycretin as a "competitive" therapy to Eli Lilly's orforglipron and tirzepatide, according to BMO analysts. This development comes at a crucial time for Novo Nordisk, following the recent failure of its blockbuster GLP-1 semaglutide in an Alzheimer's disease trial.

Future Development Plans

Buoyed by these promising results, Novo Nordisk plans to advance both oral and subcutaneous formulations of amycretin into late-stage development. The company aims to initiate Phase III studies in the first half of next year, putting it in close competition with Eli Lilly, which recently announced the advancement of its amylin asset eloralintide into Phase III trials.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to focus on innovative treatments for obesity and diabetes, amycretin's progress represents a significant step forward for Novo Nordisk in this highly competitive field.