A daily diet pill has shown promising results in early trials, with participants losing an average of 13% of their body weight in 12 weeks compared to 6% in those taking the Wegovy injection.
Amycretin is the latest tool being developed to try to tackle rising obesity rates.
It works by mimicking the hormones responsible for hunger and blood sugar levels.
The trial involved some patients being given the drug at different doses which were gradually increased, and some receiving a placebo.
For those taking the 50mg dose of amycretin, the reduction in their body weight was 10.4% after three months.
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Those taking two 50mg doses – the daily maximum amount – saw a 13.1% reduction in body weight.
Those taking the placebo lost on average, 1.1% of their body weight.
For those participants taking amycretin, the researchers noted that their weight did not plateau by the end of the study, meaning there could be potential for continued weight loss.
The authors behind the study said: “A single molecule that targets both amylin and GLP-1 biology in a tablet form could offer a more convenient approach to achieving better outcomes for individuals with overweight or obesity.
“However, larger and longer studies are needed to fully assess the drug’s safety profile and potential.”
The study revealed the drug’s side effects are similar to other weight loss medication and included sickness and other gastrointestinal issues.
Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, who was not involved in the study, commented: “This early phase research on a new oral combination is exciting given the speed of weight loss seen.
“However, far larger scale trials will be needed to test such medicines in due course, including its effect on disease outcomes.”
