PLAINSBORO, N.J. and BAGSVÆRD, Denmark, June 6, 2026
Novo Nordisk has announced positive results from a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating investigational zenagamtide (amycretin), a first-in-class dual GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist, demonstrating significant improvements in both glycemic control and body weight among adults with type 2 diabetes. The findings, presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026 in New Orleans, highlight the potential of zenagamtide to become a next-generation treatment option in the rapidly evolving diabetes and obesity landscape. The study met its primary endpoint across all evaluated dose levels, showing statistically significant reductions in HbA1c compared with placebo while also delivering substantial weight-loss benefits. With up to 89.1% of participants achieving HbA1c levels below 7% and body weight reductions reaching 14.6%, the results reinforce Novo Nordisk’s commitment to advancing innovative therapies that address both blood glucose control and excess weight, two of the most critical challenges facing patients with type 2 diabetes today.
Phase 2 Study Demonstrates Significant Glycemic Control
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial enrolled 262 adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes, all receiving stable metformin therapy with or without an SGLT2 inhibitor. Participants were assigned to one of six weekly subcutaneous zenagamtide dose groups ranging from 0.4 mg to 40 mg or placebo and were followed for 36 weeks. Results showed a clear dose-dependent reduction in HbA1c levels across all treatment groups. At the highest evaluated dose of 40 mg, patients achieved a mean HbA1c reduction of 1.71 percentage points from a baseline of 7.8%, compared with a reduction of just 0.14 percentage points in the placebo group.
Importantly, up to 89.1% of participants achieved target HbA1c levels below 7%, while as many as 76.2% achieved HbA1c levels of 6.5% or lower, outcomes that are highly relevant for reducing long-term diabetes complications. The therapy also demonstrated impressive time-in-range performance, with patients spending up to 91.4% of monitored time within recommended glucose targets, exceeding internationally recognized treatment goals. These findings indicate strong glucose-lowering efficacy and suggest zenagamtide may offer a highly effective new option for patients requiring improved metabolic control.
Up to 14.6% Weight Loss Highlights Dual-Action Potential
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Beyond glycemic improvements, zenagamtide delivered remarkable weight-loss outcomes, reinforcing its potential as a therapy capable of addressing two major aspects of metabolic disease simultaneously. As a key supportive secondary endpoint, participants receiving the highest 40 mg dose experienced a mean body weight reduction of 14.6% after 36 weeks, compared with only 2.1% weight loss in the placebo group. Notably, investigators reported no apparent weight-loss plateau at week 36 among patients receiving higher doses, suggesting continued weight reduction potential with longer treatment duration.
Zenagamtide is the first investigational therapy to combine GLP-1 receptor agonism and amylin receptor agonism within a single molecule, creating a differentiated mechanism designed to improve appetite regulation, satiety, glucose control, and overall metabolic health. Researchers believe this novel dual-action approach may help expand therapeutic options for individuals struggling with both diabetes management and obesity, conditions that frequently coexist and contribute significantly to cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
Novo Nordisk Advances Zenagamtide into Phase 3 Development
The encouraging Phase 2 findings have prompted Novo Nordisk to advance zenagamtide into a comprehensive Phase 3 development program, which the company plans to initiate during the second half of 2026. Safety findings from the study were generally consistent with those observed for other incretin- and amylin-based therapies, with gastrointestinal events representing the most commonly reported adverse effects. Most adverse events were mild to moderate in severity, supporting continued clinical development. As the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise, healthcare providers are increasingly seeking therapies capable of delivering meaningful improvements in both glycemic control and weight management.
Zenagamtide’s ability to simultaneously address these interconnected metabolic challenges positions it as one of the most closely watched investigational therapies in diabetes research. The latest ADA 2026 results further strengthen Novo Nordisk’s leadership in metabolic disease innovation and underscore the growing potential of next-generation hormone-based therapies to redefine treatment standards for patients living with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Source: Novo Nordisk press release
