Weight loss pill shows promise in new trial
An early study have found that people who received higher doses of amycretin as a weekly jab lost 24.3% of their body weight after 36 weeks of treatment.
And initial trials assessing a tablet form of the drug also showed promising results, with patients taking daily tablets losing an average of 13.1% of their body weight after 12 weeks.
Weight loss jabs have been hailed as transformative by NHS leaders.
But injections come with additional work for over-stretched health services so tablet forms of medication may offer a new hope for the millions of people looking to lose weight.
It has been estimated that around 1.5 million Britons are having weight loss jabs, which have been either prescribed through specialist weight loss services or private prescriptions.
GPs will be able to dish out that jabs from next week.
Amycretin, made by Novo Nordisk, helps to control blood sugar and appetite by targeting two specific receptors in the body – GLP-1 and the amylin receptor.
An early trial in 125 adults testing weekly injections of amycretin, which has been published in The Lancet, found that those taking the highest dosage (60mg) lost 24.3% after 36 weeks of treatment.
It also showed signs in improving blood sugar levels.
Side effects included nausea and vomiting and were mostly mild to moderate and resolved by the end of treatment.
'These phase 1b/2a data support the potential of once-weekly subcutaneous amycretin as a therapeutic for people living with overweight or obesity,' the authors wrote.
'Amycretin appeared safe and tolerable, and there were significant reductions in body weight after 36 weeks of treatment.'
The second early trial, published in the same journal, assessed amycretin in tablet form in 144 people over 12 weeks.
There were mild to moderate side effects including loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Researchers found that people taking the highest dose of 100mg per day, lost 13.1% of their body weight over four months.
The authors wrote: 'Amycretin effectively lowered body weight and improved metabolic and glycaemic parameters in people with overweight or obesity.
'Longer studies with more participants are warranted for evaluation of the safety and efficacy of amycretin in individuals living with obesity and type 2 diabetes, and to optimise the dosing regimen.'
The studies were also presented at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions in Chicago, in the US.
It comes as a separate study, which was published at the same meeting, examined the effects of weight loss jab Wegovy at higher doses.
Researchers found that giving patients 7.2mg of Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, once a week led to an average weight loss of 20.7%, with a third of participants losing 25% or more of their body weight after 72 weeks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Bradley Walsh shares health struggle 'people think I'm making up'
The Chase host's condition leaves him 'white as a sheet' Bradley Walsh is a hugely familiar face on TV with his career having gone from strength to strength in recent years. The 65-year-old will be back on our screens this evening for an instalment of The Chase Celebrity Special. He has also recently appeared on Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad, an ITV travel series that sees Bradley joined by son Barney. In one episode, they discovered Tokyo's vibrant attractions and, according to Bradley, some of Japan's most hair-raising rope bridges. During a recent appearance on Chris Evans' Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, Bradley confessed to experiencing genuine vertigo while navigating the precarious structure. Bradley told Chris: "I know, people think I'm making it up." However, Chris replied: "There's no way, you were white as a sheet", and Barney interjected with: "It does terrify him". Reassuringly, Bradley reported that he's been making progress with his vertigo struggles, stating: "I'd like to think that since the early days, I've got a bit better." The NHS website describes vertigo as a sensation of spinning, either personally or environmentally, which can significantly impact balance. It notes that vertigo episodes can last from mere seconds to hours, with severe cases persisting for days or even months, as reported by Gloucestershire Live. Vertigo often resolves itself without treatment. Nevertheless, the NHS advises consulting a GP if symptoms recur or interfere with daily life. Vertigo is often mistakenly referred to as a fear of heights when in actuality, this should be termed acrophobia. According to Healthline, acrophobia can induce physical reactions such as increased sweating, chest tightness or pain, nausea or dizziness, and an accelerated heartbeat when faced with or even just thinking about elevated places. Beyond his "vertigo", Bradley has also grappled with another medical condition called blepharitis, leading to swollen, red eyes. He previously said: "People don't realise I have seriously bad blepharitis. "I have to take one pill a day for it or I really struggle. I am going to need my eyes operated on at some point to sort it out. So many times, people have commented on how I look. But they don't realise. If I take medication though, I'm fine."
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
GP shares the £10 Boots item that can 'eliminate' summer chafing
Shoppers said they experienced 'no chafing at all' once using this 'liberating' roll-on product With a heatwave baking parts of the UK this weekend, Brits may be experiencing some uncomfortable feelings down below when sweaty skin rubs against clothes. This can lead to painful problems, especially for those with sensitive skin. Dr Raj Arora, an NHS GP with expertise in women's health, shared an Instagram video with a product that hundreds of women "swear by" during the hot summer months. She said: "Chafing is really common, especially in the summer when you're wearing shorts and your thighs are rubbing. There's no shame in it; it happens to all of us." "You can get this called Megababe. This contains aloe vera, vitamin E. It hydrates the skin, comes in a roll-on. Just pop it in your bag and reapply." The Thigh Rescue product is available in Boots stores and, at the time of writing, the 60ml pack (normally £12) is discounted to £9.60 in a 20% off sale. There are similar products available elsewhere such as Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel (£7.99 at Superdrug) and KKwoter's Anti Chafe Stick (£5.99 from Amazon). But, the anti-friction stick by Megababe has lots of glowing reviews as well from over 1,550 customers. One said: "I wish I'd found it years ago as it is amazing. Used it on holiday and got no chafing at all!" Another added: "Glides on easily with no visible residue and no scent. I could have reapplied but didn't need to. I will keep this for future sweaty walks or any other needs!" Someone else shared how the product has "changed my life." They wrote: "The first time I used this, I was anxious because I didn't see how it could work for me when nothing else had. I did 10,000+ steps that day and didn't have to reapply - I was amazed. "I now use it as religiously as deodorant. It's liberating to not have to wear shorts under every outfit after wearing them for years. It's silly but I always felt the shorts were something I had to wear as a fat person and I just wished I could go outside without them, and now I can!" And, one more commented: "This is seriously the best product, it keeps my skin healthy and protected from chafe and rash. I recommend this to friends all the time!" A few people had issues, as one reported: "The formula doesn't seem to take into account sweat and high temperatures, only friction. It wears off after 15 minutes." Another claimed it "did not work at all." The NHS recommends consulting a doctor if you experience persistent, recurrent, or severe symptoms of chafing. They may recommend further tests or treatments, including topical corticosteroids or antibiotics
The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
Weight loss pill shows promise in new trial
A new weight loss medication, which can be offered by injection or tablet, can help patients lose a significant amount weight, studies suggest. An early study have found that people who received higher doses of amycretin as a weekly jab lost 24.3% of their body weight after 36 weeks of treatment. And initial trials assessing a tablet form of the drug also showed promising results, with patients taking daily tablets losing an average of 13.1% of their body weight after 12 weeks. Weight loss jabs have been hailed as transformative by NHS leaders. But injections come with additional work for over-stretched health services so tablet forms of medication may offer a new hope for the millions of people looking to lose weight. It has been estimated that around 1.5 million Britons are having weight loss jabs, which have been either prescribed through specialist weight loss services or private prescriptions. GPs will be able to dish out that jabs from next week. Amycretin, made by Novo Nordisk, helps to control blood sugar and appetite by targeting two specific receptors in the body – GLP-1 and the amylin receptor. An early trial in 125 adults testing weekly injections of amycretin, which has been published in The Lancet, found that those taking the highest dosage (60mg) lost 24.3% after 36 weeks of treatment. It also showed signs in improving blood sugar levels. Side effects included nausea and vomiting and were mostly mild to moderate and resolved by the end of treatment. 'These phase 1b/2a data support the potential of once-weekly subcutaneous amycretin as a therapeutic for people living with overweight or obesity,' the authors wrote. 'Amycretin appeared safe and tolerable, and there were significant reductions in body weight after 36 weeks of treatment.' The second early trial, published in the same journal, assessed amycretin in tablet form in 144 people over 12 weeks. There were mild to moderate side effects including loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Researchers found that people taking the highest dose of 100mg per day, lost 13.1% of their body weight over four months. The authors wrote: 'Amycretin effectively lowered body weight and improved metabolic and glycaemic parameters in people with overweight or obesity. 'Longer studies with more participants are warranted for evaluation of the safety and efficacy of amycretin in individuals living with obesity and type 2 diabetes, and to optimise the dosing regimen.' The studies were also presented at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions in Chicago, in the US. It comes as a separate study, which was published at the same meeting, examined the effects of weight loss jab Wegovy at higher doses. Researchers found that giving patients 7.2mg of Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, once a week led to an average weight loss of 20.7%, with a third of participants losing 25% or more of their body weight after 72 weeks.
