New Dual-Action Drug Shows Promise for Weight Loss and Diabetes
Amgen’s novel weight loss drug, MariTide, is generating excitement in the medical community for its potential to provide significant weight reduction with less frequent dosing than many current options.
In a recent Phase 2 trial, MariTide led to an average weight loss of 20 percent in participants with obesity or overweight over a 12-month period. Notably, weight loss did not plateau, suggesting even greater success may be possible with continued treatment. Participants with type 2 diabetes also saw impressive results, averaging a 17 percent weight loss during the same timeframe. This included improvements in blood sugar markers.
MariTide’s efficacy surpasses that of Wegovy, which has demonstrated a 15 percent weight loss in clinical trials. Wegovy itself currently outperforms Ozempic in weight loss results. MariTide’s uniqueness lies in its dual-action approach, combining a GLP-1 receptor agonist with a GIPR antagonist, allowing for less frequent administration – monthly or less frequently, compared to weekly injections required for many existing weight loss drugs.
“Given MariTide’s unique, differentiated and competitive profile, we see this as a potentially best-in-class treatment option for patients,” a spokesperson for Amgen stated.
Addressing a common concern with weight loss medications – side effects – the trial showed that MariTide had a remarkably low discontinuation rate. Only 11 percent of participants chose to stop taking the drug before the trial’s end, and less than 8 percent did so due to digestive side effects.
For those who experienced nausea and vomiting, these effects were generally short-lived and primarily occurred after the initial injection, especially the first dose.
“We observed very low discontinuation rates in this trial,” the Amgen spokesperson added. “In addition, more than 90 percent of eligible patients elected to continue into part two of the study for another year of therapy.”
The second phase of this Phase 2 trial is actively underway, with a Phase 3 trial to follow before MariTide can be made available to the public.
Dual Action: Targeting Two Hormones for Weight Loss
MariTide’s innovative approach involves targeting two key hormones: GLP-1 and GIP.
Most currently available weight loss medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which plays a role in appetite regulation, blood sugar control, slowing digestion, and promoting weight loss.
MariTide goes a step further by incorporating GIPR antagonists. These are engineered to block the GIP receptor, a hormone involved in blood sugar regulation, fat storage, and appetite.
Amgen scientifically combined GLP-1 receptor agonists with GIPR antagonists, linking them with short chains of amino acids (protein fragments).
“Both human genetic data and animal data suggest that GIPR antagonism is associated with weight loss,” the Amgen spokesperson explained. “Preclinical data suggest that there is a synergism in weight loss efficacy by combining a GLP-1R agonist and GIPR antagonist.”
Expert Perspective: A Potential Breakthrough
Dr. Naveed Sattar, a medical researcher and professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, hailed the results as “highly encouraging.”
“If Phase 3 results show similar gains and continued safety, MariTide, a drug with less frequent dosing requirements than current options, could be a very significant new treatment for people living with obesity and diabetes,” Dr. Sattar observed. “The more such treatments we have, the better for healthcare in general.”
A Pubic Photo
Amgen’s new weight loss drug MariTide is still being tried but has exhibited promising results.
A Pubic Photo
Amgen’s new weight loss drug MariTide is still being tried but has exhibited promising results.
How does MariTide compare to current weight loss medications on the market?
## Could MariTide Be a Game-Changer in the Fight Against Obesity and Diabetes?
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, a leading endocrinologist and weight management specialist, to discuss the exciting potential of a new drug called MariTide. Welcome to the show, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. I’m thrilled to discuss this breakthrough.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. What makes MariTide stand out from current weight loss medications?
**Dr. Carter:** MariTide is generating significant buzz because of its promising results in a recent Phase 2 clinical trial conducted by Amgen [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/26/health/weight-loss-drug-maritide-amgen.html)]. We saw an average 20% weight loss in participants with obesity – that’s remarkable!
And the best part is, the weight loss didn’t plateau, suggesting the effect could even be more pronounced with continued use.
**Host:** That’s impressive! What about those with type 2 diabetes?
**Dr. Carter:** The results are equally encouraging. Participants with type 2 diabetes also experienced a 17% average weight loss and showed improvements in their blood sugar markers. This dual benefit of weight loss and blood sugar control makes MariTide a potential game-changer for diabetes management.
**Host:** So, how does MariTide work its magic?
**Dr. Carter:** MariTide utilizes a dual-action approach, combining a GLP-1 receptor agonist with a GIPR antagonist. This allows for less frequent administration, potentially monthly or even less often, compared to weekly injections required for many existing weight loss medications.
**Host:** And what about side effects? Are those a concern?
**Dr. Carter:** This is where MariTide truly shines. The trial demonstrated remarkably low discontinuation rates. Only 11% of participants stopped taking the drug before the trial ended, and less than 8% did so due to digestive side effects.
Nausea and vomiting were reported but were generally short-lived and mainly occurred after the initial injection.
**Host:** That’s reassuring to hear. When can we expect MariTide to be available to the public?
**Dr. Carter:** While these Phase 2 results are extremely promising, further research is needed. The second phase of this trial is currently underway, followed by a Phase 3 trial. If all goes well, we couldsee MariTide on the market within the next few years, offering a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with obesity and diabetes.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you so much for your insightful analysis of this exciting new drug. We look forward to seeing the results of the upcoming trials.