Amycretin: Oral/Subcutaneous Dual GLP-1 + Amylin Agonist
Novo Nordisk investigational peptide combining GLP-1 and amylin agonism in a single molecule. Early-phase results show rapid weight loss.
👥 Human studies
- Full name
- Amycretin
- Class
- Dual GLP-1 / amylin receptor agonist
- Half-life
- Oral: ~short; SC: ~1 week (est.)
- Route
- Oral daily and subcutaneous weekly forms in development
- Developer
- Novo Nordisk
- Regulatory status
- Phase 2 T2D readout November 2025: up to −14.5% weight loss (SC weekly) and −10.1% (oral daily) at 36 wk; HbA1c −1.8%. Phase 3 programme planned 2026. Novo Nordisk.
What it is
Amycretin is a single-peptide dual agonist of the GLP-1 receptor and the amylin receptor. Novo Nordisk is developing both oral (daily) and subcutaneous (weekly) formulations. Amylin agonism complements GLP-1 by acting on different CNS satiety pathways.
How it works
GLP-1 receptor activation reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying via hindbrain and vagal pathways. Amylin agonism works through the area postrema, enhancing satiety and reducing food intake synergistically.
Combining both in one peptide avoids the need for separate injections and may produce additive weight loss compared with GLP-1 monotherapy — the hypothesis that drove cagrisema and motivated amycretin.
What the research shows
First human data presented at EASD 2024 for both oral and subcutaneous forms.
Oral amycretin Phase 1 (2024)
EASD 2024; full publication pending. 👥 Human studies
144 overweight/obese adults, oral amycretin up to 100 mg daily for 12 weeks vs placebo.
Mean weight loss 13.1% vs 1.1% placebo — exceptional for 12 weeks and oral administration.
Limitations: Phase 1, small, short duration; nausea/vomiting common.
Subcutaneous amycretin Phase 1b (2024)
Novo Nordisk R&D day 2024. 👥 Human studies
125 overweight/obese adults, weekly SC amycretin for 36 weeks.
Mean weight loss 22% at 36 weeks at highest dose — numerically higher than any previous anti-obesity agent at similar timepoints.
Limitations: Peer-reviewed publication pending; open-label aspects; discontinuation for GI side effects notable.
Safety and limitations
Expected GI side effects of incretin class are magnified at higher doses. Amylin-specific effects include transient nausea and injection-site reactions. Long-term endocrine and pancreatic safety not yet characterised in humans.
Potential for effects on gallbladder, thyroid C-cells and heart rate remain theoretical until larger trials report.