A new weight loss drug, known as ecnoglutide, has shown promising results in a recent clinical trial, potentially outperforming existing treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Conducted by researchers in China, this trial suggests that ecnoglutide may offer enhanced weight-loss benefits compared to the established treatment dulaglutide, which is also a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
Ecnoglutide works similarly to semaglutide, a drug marketed under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Both medications mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, aiding in insulin production, appetite reduction, and slower digestion to help manage blood sugar levels. The key differentiator for ecnoglutide is its specific design to activate the cAMP pathway, which is crucial for the benefits associated with GLP-1, while minimizing effects on other chemical pathways.
In this phase 3 trial, involving 621 participants aged between 18 and 75, individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were already on the medication metformin. They were administered doses of either ecnoglutide or dulaglutide weekly over the course of one year. Both treatments effectively lowered blood sugar levels, but those taking ecnoglutide lost nearly double the weight compared to those on dulaglutide.
The results indicate that ecnoglutide could be a more effective option even at lower doses. Additionally, researchers anticipate that ecnoglutide may be easier and cheaper to produce than current GLP-1 medications. Common side effects reported included nausea and diarrhea, although these symptoms generally subsided over time.
Researchers noted, “Apart from glycaemic effects, both doses of ecnoglutide induced statistically significantly greater reductions in bodyweight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and triglycerides, all of which are cardiovascular risk factors, than dulaglutide.” These findings highlight the potential of ecnoglutide to address unmet needs in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Moving forward, further studies may compare ecnoglutide directly with semaglutide and involve larger, more diverse participant groups. Future trials could also explore the drug’s efficacy when combined with other anti-diabetic treatments. As GLP-1 receptor agonists continue to attract attention, researchers remain vigilant regarding possible long-term effects, including concerns related to the pancreas and vision.
The findings of this trial have been published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, indicating a significant step forward in diabetes therapy. As pharmaceutical companies seek to improve existing treatment options, ecnoglutide may represent a notable advancement in the field of diabetes management.
