‘Transformative’ weight reduction capsule sees individuals shed 13.1% of physique weight in simply 12 weeks
The study showed that people who received higher doses of amycretin as a weekly jab lost 24.3% of their body weight after just 36 weeks – from next week, GPs will be able to administer them
A new weight loss medication has shown promising results in helping patients shed a significant amount of weight, according to recent studies. Early research indicates that individuals who received higher doses of Amycretin via a weekly jab lost 24.3% of their body weight after 36 weeks of treatment.
Preliminary trials assessing a tablet version of the drug also demonstrated encouraging outcomes, with patients taking daily tablets losing an average of 13.1% of their body weight after 12 weeks. Weight loss injections have been praised as transformative by NHS leaders.
However, injections require additional resources from already strained health services, so tablet forms of medication may offer fresh hope for the millions of people seeking to lose weight.
It’s estimated that around 1.5 million Britons are currently using weight loss jabs, either prescribed through specialist weight loss services or private prescriptions.
From next week, GPs will be able to administer these jabs.
Amycretin, produced by Novo Nordisk, aids in controlling blood sugar and appetite by targeting two specific receptors in the body – GLP-1 and the amylin receptor.
An early trial involving 125 adults testing weekly injections of Amycretin, published in The Lancet, found that those taking the highest dosage (60mg) lost 24.3% after 36 weeks of treatment.
The drug also showed potential in improving blood sugar levels.
Reported side effects included nausea and vomiting, which were mostly mild to moderate and resolved by the end of the treatment period.
“These phase 1b/2a data support the potential of once-weekly subcutaneous amycretin as a therapeutic for people living with overweight or obesity,” the authors penned.
“Amycretin appeared safe and tolerable, and there were significant reductions in body weight after 36 weeks of treatment.”
The second preliminary study, featured in the same academic journal, evaluated amycretin in pill form across 144 individuals over a span of 12 weeks.
Participants experienced mild to moderate side effects such as diminished appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
The research revealed that subjects on the highest dosage of 100mg daily shed an impressive 13.1% of their body weight within four months.
The authors noted: “Amycretin effectively lowered body weight and improved metabolic and glycaemic parameters in people with overweight or obesity.
“Further trials with extended durations and larger cohorts are needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of amycretin in those with obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as to fine-tune the dosage schedule.”
These findings were also showcased at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions held in Chicago, USA.
In related news, another study presented at the same conference delved into the impact of higher doses of the weight loss injection Wegovy.
This investigation discovered that administering 7.2mg of Wegovy, also known by the name semaglutide, weekly resulted in an average body weight reduction of 20.7%, with one-third of the participants achieving a weight loss of 25% or more after 72 weeks.
