Novo Nordisk's Experimental Pill: A New Hope for Weight Loss

Novo Nordisk's experimental weight-loss pill, amycretin, shows promising results in early-stage trials, demonstrating up to 13.1% weight loss in 12 weeks. While mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal side effects were noted, the trial reported no severe adverse effects. Novo Nordisk is assessing whether to advance directly to Phase III trials.

Novo Nordisk announced on Wednesday that its experimental weight-loss pill, amycretin, demonstrated safety and tolerability in early trials, with mild-to-moderate side effects. The company's shares surged over 8% after reporting a 13.1% weight loss in participants over 12 weeks.

The full Phase I trial data, presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Madrid, highlighted the pill's effectiveness compared to existing drugs like Wegovy. Participants experienced similar gastrointestinal side effects common to incretin-based therapies.

With potential weight loss comparable to its other drug, CagriSema, Novo Nordisk evaluates whether to skip Phase II and proceed directly to Phase III trials. The decision awaits results from an ongoing subcutaneous study.

(With inputs from agencies.)