Monthly injection may aid weight loss and diabetes control

An experimental drug taken just once a month has shown promising results for weight loss and blood sugar control in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The medication, known as maridebart cafraglutide or MariTide, acts on molecular pathways involved in appetite and insulin regulation – the hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels.

It works similarly to existing drugs such as Ozempic, but also targets an additional mechanism involved in insulin release.

Ania Jastreboff, study co-author from the Yale School of Medicine, said: “The data demonstrates the potential for once monthly or less frequent dosing and are particularly encouraging as we seek sustainable, long-term treatments for people living with obesity, with and without type 2 diabetes.”

The phase 2 trial, led by pharmaceutical company Amgen, included nearly 600 participants divided into two cohorts: one with obesity alone, and the other with both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Participants received MariTide by subcutaneous injection every four weeks, at doses of 140mg, 280mg or 420mg. For some, the doses were gradually increased over time to minimise side effects.

After 12 months, people with obesity alone lost an average of 20 per cent of their body weight, while those with both obesity and diabetes lost nearly 17 per cent on average.

Researchers noted that weight loss had not plateaued by the end of the study, suggesting further reductions may be possible.

The trial also found improvements in other health markers, including waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood levels of circulating lipids – fat molecules in the bloodstream.

Jay Bradner, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen, said: “MariTide’s monthly or less frequent dosing has the potential to improve adherence and long-term weight control, providing the opportunity to optimise health outcomes for people living with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related conditions.”

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, were reported, mostly during the initial dosing period.

These events were less frequent when doses were carefully increased over time without reducing the drug’s effectiveness. No participants stopped treatment due to side effects.

Researchers are now studying whether MariTide can help people who have already lost 15 per cent of their body weight lose even more.

They also plan to test its effectiveness in people with heart disease and obstructive sleep apnoea – a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.