Novo Nordisk advances next-generation obesity drug to phase 3

Novo Nordisk said Thursday it will advance both injectable and oral versions of its experimental obesity drug, amycretin, into late-stage Phase 3 clinical trials.

The decision follows feedback from regulatory authorities after the completion of earlier-stage studies for the weight-management treatment, according to the company.

Amycretin, which targets two gut hormone receptors, GLP-1 and amylin, is a key candidate in the Danish drugmaker's efforts to develop new treatments beyond its highly successful obesity drug, Wegovy.

The company plans to initiate the Phase 3 program for adults with overweight or obesity during the first quarter of 2026.

The move comes after Novo Nordisk reported in January that an earlier trial of subcutaneous amycretin showed an estimated body weight loss of 22.0% at the highest dose over 36 weeks.

“We are very pleased that the feedback from regulatory authorities has allowed us to take subcutaneous and oral amycretin in weight management to phase 3,” said Martin Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk.

“We are excited about the amycretin molecule, and this marks an important step forward.”