Scientists have developed a new weight-loss drug that is being compared to Ozempic due to its superior efficacy and reduced side effects. This new medication is reportedly twice as effective as Ozempic.
Ozempic, originally designed for individuals with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar, has been used by many for weight loss despite not being primarily intended for this purpose.
In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved semaglutide medications like Ozempic for diabetic patients. The standard dosing involves a weekly injection with the dosage initially set at 0.25mg and gradually increasing to a maximum of 2mg.
Although effective, Ozempic can cause side effects such as nausea, muscle loss, weight regain, and excessive gas.
Researchers from Tufts University have developed a new drug that promises more effective and lasting weight loss, up to 30%, with fewer adverse effects.
The innovative medication distinguishes itself by targeting four hormones instead of the usual approach.
While Ozempic and Wegovy primarily work by mimicking the hormone GLP‑1, and tirzepatides like Mounjaro target GLP-1 and GIP receptors, the new drug aims to go further.
The drug not only interacts with GLP-1 and GIP but also affects glucagon, which counterbalances insulin, and peptide YY, which reduces appetite, slows down gastric emptying, and may encourage fat burning.
According to Dr. Tristan Dinsmore, the lead author of the Tufts study, “We built a single experimental peptide that works like four hormones at once, so we’re not pushing one button too hard. Instead, we’re nudging four ‘dimmer switches’ together to manage appetite, blood sugar, and energy use.”
Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the study outlines a reliance on GIP to mitigate nausea that can be induced by higher doses of GLP‑1 and PYY.
Dr. Dinsmore further explained, “Beyond helping with fullness and glucose control, GIP signaling has anti‑nausea effects — it can even block nausea in preclinical models, which is why we prioritize it in the mix. By adding PYY to the GLP‑1/GIP/glucagon trio, we hope to rely less on GLP‑1 and glucagon to drive weight loss, potentially lowering the chance of nausea (from GLP‑1/PYY) and high blood sugar risk (from glucagon) while keeping the benefits.”
This new medication is still in the experimental and preclinical stages. It has yet to undergo human trials, so its commercial availability remains uncertain.