Novo Nordisk disclosed that its Phase 2 study of amycretin, a dual GLP‑1 and amylin receptor agonist, produced clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c and weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled on metformin, with or without an SGLT2 inhibitor. The once‑weekly subcutaneous formulation lowered HbA1c by up to 1.8 % and the once‑daily oral formulation by up to 1.5 % versus placebo, while weight loss reached 14.5 % and 10.1 % respectively, with no plateau observed through 36 weeks.
The magnitude of the efficacy signals is notable. A 1.8 % HbA1c drop exceeds the 1.0 % threshold that typically distinguishes a drug as clinically meaningful in type 2 diabetes, and the 14.5 % weight loss surpasses the 10 % benchmark that has become a key differentiator in the obesity‑drug market. The dual‑mechanism design is expected to provide additive benefits, potentially positioning amycretin as a best‑in‑class therapy that can compete with newer agents such as Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide and orforglipron.
Novo Nordisk’s Q3 2025 earnings showed a 5.2 % year‑over‑year revenue increase to DKK 74.98 billion, but a 27 % drop in net profit, reflecting higher R&D spend and margin compression in its core segments. The amycretin data offer a new growth engine that could offset these headwinds. Management highlighted that the Phase 2 results validate the drug’s potential and will accelerate the company’s pipeline beyond its current GLP‑1 portfolio.
Chief Scientific Officer Martin Holst Lange said the data “further validate the potential best‑in‑class profile of amycretin” and that the company is preparing a Phase 3 program slated to begin in 2026. Analysts noted that the strong efficacy and weight‑loss profile are likely to drive investor enthusiasm, especially after the setback of a semaglutide Alzheimer’s trial. The market reaction was positive, with the stock rising 3 % in pre‑market trade on the day of the announcement.
The company plans to launch both oral and injectable forms, broadening patient access and potentially expanding its addressable market. With the Phase 3 program on the horizon, Novo Nordisk aims to capture a share of the rapidly growing obesity‑drug market while reinforcing its leadership in diabetes care. The results also signal that Novo Nordisk is investing heavily in next‑generation therapeutics to sustain long‑term growth amid intensifying competition.
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