GLP-1 has become a popular buzzword worldwide. weight loss But now some are touting GLP-3 and claiming it’s taking obesity drugs to the next level.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones in the body that help regulate them. blood sugar level And appetite.
The informal term “GLP-3” refers to a new triple agonist drug that targets three hormones: GLP-1, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, another natural hormone released from the intestine after meals), and the glucagon receptor. According to clinical trial results, the most advanced example is Eli Lilly’s letaltortide.
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The New England Journal of Medicine published the results of the Phase 2 Letartortide trial in obesity in 2023, revealing “significant reductions in obesity.” body weight“After 48 weeks of treatment.
A once-weekly injection of 12 mg resulted in a 24.2% weight loss, and participants continued to lose weight after the 48-week study period.
Side effects have been reported to include: GLP-1 therapeuticsmost commonly include gastrointestinal complications such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. An increase in heart rate was observed depending on the dose.
GLP-1 only mimics one hormone, while retatortide mimics three natural hormones found in the body, GoodRx pharmacists report.
The GIP and GLP-1 hormones signal the pancreas to release insulin after meals. delayed digestion It helps you start feeling full.
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These hormones target areas of the brain that regulate and influence appetite. craving for foodthe report points out.
The third hormone, glucagon, boosts metabolism and helps the body break down fat cells for energy. This hormone instructs the liver to produce new sugar, and the activity of GIP and GLP-1 inhibits sugar production, preventing blood sugar levels from spiking.
“This additional metabolic boost can enhance and complement the actions of GIP and GLP-1, which is why it is thought to result in significant weight loss,” GoodRx’s website states. “If approved, letaltortide would be the first of a new class of medicines.”
In December, Eli Lilly announced the results of its Phase 3 trial TRIUMPH-4, which tested the effects of letartortide on things including weight loss. health condition.
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Participants with obesity, knee arthritis Patients taking 12 mg of letaltortide experienced an average weight loss of 71.8 pounds (28.7%) at week 68.
The drug also reduced Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores by an average of 75.8%, and showed “significant improvements” in comfort levels and physical function, according to a press release.
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More than 1 in 8 patients reported “complete relief” from the following symptoms: knee pain At the end of the trial.
Seven additional Phase 3 trials of letaltortide are scheduled to conclude in 2026, according to GoodRx. According to GoodRx, the drug could receive FDA approval in 2027.
“We are encouraged by the Triumph-4 results, which highlight the powerful effects of letaltortide, a first-in-class triple agonist, on weight, pain and physical function,” said Dr. Kenneth Castor, executive vice president and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, in a statement.
“With results expected from seven additional Phase 3 trials in 2026, we believe letaltortide has the potential to become an important option for patients with significant weight loss needs or certain comorbidities. knee osteoarthritis. ”
Despite the limited data available on this drug, this drug may also have applications in treating other conditions such as: type 2 diabetesAccording to GoodRx and other experts, these include kidney disease, cardiovascular risk reduction, and metabolic dysfunction.
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Mark Siegel pointed out that Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro already target two metabolic pathways, GLP-1 and GIP, which work together to promote weight loss, reduce hunger and inflammation, improve insulin function and slow digestion.
Doctors confirmed that the new drug combines a third receptor agonist to further reduce hunger while increasing satiety.
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“Weight loss in clinical trials was even more significant, and the most likely reason for the weight loss was orthopedic problems “Because you’re losing weight, there’s less stress on your joints, and you have less inflammation,” Siegel added.
Doctors confirmed that the most common side effect of GLP-3 is gastrointestinal symptoms. Rarely, side effects such as pancreatitis, gallstones, and cardiac arrhythmias may occur.
