Summary

Amycretin is a novel unimolecular peptide that acts as a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and amylin receptors, developed by Novo Nordisk for obesity and weight management. Phase 1b/2a clinical trial results have been published in a peer-reviewed journal, representing early-stage evidence of weight loss. Research use only — not a licensed medicine.

Mechanism

Amycretin is a unimolecular dual agonist of the GLP-1 and amylin receptors. GLP-1 receptor activation promotes insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, delays gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. Amylin receptor activation (amylin is co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells) promotes satiety, slows gastric emptying, and reduces postprandial glucose excursions. The combination of both mechanisms in a single molecule is designed to produce enhanced weight loss and metabolic effects compared to either pathway alone.

Evidence base

Amycretin has completed Phase 1b/2a clinical trials, with results published in a peer-reviewed journal (PMID 40550231). This represents early-stage clinical evidence: a randomised controlled study, but at Phase 1b/2a with small sample sizes and short duration. Evidence is graded as limited — Phase 2b/3 confirmatory trials are needed.

Protocols

Amycretin is administered via subcutaneous injection. Phase 1b/2a trials used dose escalation designs to evaluate safety and preliminary efficacy. No established dosing protocol exists outside of clinical trial contexts.

Work out the draw →

Amycretin is an investigational compound not licensed as a medicine in the UK. It is not a controlled substance. It falls into a UK grey area: legal for research purposes but not MHRA-approved for human therapeutic use. Sale for human consumption is illegal under UK medicines regulations.

References

  1. Amycretin, a novel, unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist administered subcutaneously: results from a phase 1b/2a randomised controlled study. PubMed PMID: 40550231. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40550231/
  2. Novo Nordisk amycretin clinical development programme. ClinicalTrials.gov registry.
  3. Hay DL, Chen S, Lutz TA, et al. Amylin: Pharmacology, Physiology, and Clinical Potential. Pharmacol Rev. 2015.