Investigational GLP-1/GIP agonist shows strong glucose and weight reductions

Clinical takeaway: Enicepatide could eventually offer another option for adults who need substantial glucose lowering and weight reduction. Phase 3 results and comparative evidence will help clarify its role alongside established therapies.

Managing type 2 diabetes in patients with overweight or obesity often requires addressing both glycemia and excess weight. The investigational once-weekly GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist enicepatide showed substantial improvements in both in a phase 2 trial, according to company-reported topline findings.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 447 adults and met its primary endpoints for A1c and body-weight changes at 48 weeks. At the highest dose, 24 mg, mean A1c fell by 2.65 percentage points from a baseline of 8.1%, and mean weight decreased by 15.5%, without an apparent plateau.

In that dose group, 90% reached an A1c of ≤6.5%, and 62% reached <5.7%. These findings suggest the potential to bring glucose into the normal range during treatment.

If confirmed, the combined effects could expand options for patients whose glycemic and weight goals remain unmet. However, the release did not report placebo efficacy results, and the trial did not compare enicepatide with an active treatment, leaving its relative benefit uncertain.

The most common adverse events were predominantly mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal effects. Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 2% of enicepatide recipients versus none receiving placebo.

Two phase 3 weight-management trials are ongoing. Roche plans to begin a phase 3 glycemic-control program and cardiovascular outcomes trials in the first half of 2027, helping determine whether the metabolic improvements translate into broader clinical benefits.

Source: Roche. (2026 Sep 22). Roche announces positive Phase II results for dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist enicepatide in people living with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity