New oral GLP-1 drug shows promise for diabetes and weight loss

A new oral medication based on the GLP-1 receptor, named elecoglipron, has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing both blood sugar levels and body weight among individuals with type 2 diabetes. These findings come from the Phase 2B stage of a clinical trial.

Most currently available GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, require subcutaneous injection. While semaglutide, known as Ozempic, is authorized for type 2 diabetes and available in tablet form, it has strict administration requirements, including taking it on an empty stomach and avoiding food and water for 30 minutes afterward.

The international SOLSTICE trial, involving 406 participants with type 2 diabetes across nine countries and led by Vanita Aroda of Mass General Brigham in Boston, tested elecoglipron without these stringent limitations. The 26-week study included initial dosing, dose escalation, and maintenance phases.

Researchers observed that elecoglipron significantly reduced glucose levels compared to a placebo across all tested doses. Notably, 89.6% of participants taking the drug achieved an HbA1c level of 7%, a common target for diabetes management, compared to only 24.9% in the placebo group. Furthermore, 72.3% of those on elecoglipron achieved at least a 5% weight reduction, versus 20.2% in the placebo group. The drug's safety and tolerability were found to be comparable to other GLP-1 medications.

"To date, GLP-1 therapies have been limited to injectable or oral formulations, each with its own limitations regarding administration and dosing," Aroda, who is also Director of Diabetes Research at Mass General Brigham, stated. "Our trial paves the way for oral drugs that overcome these limitations in the treatment of type 2 diabetes."

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To date, GLP-1 therapies have been limited to injectable or oral formulations, each with its own limitations regarding administration and dosing. Our trial paves the way for oral drugs that overcome these limitations in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.