Khaberni - Researchers at the Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University have unveiled a new oral medication that represents a breakthrough in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, as it works to enhance fat burning and improve blood sugar control without affecting appetite or causing muscle loss.
This new medicine differs from traditional medicines based on GLP-1 like Ozempic, which are administered via injection and reduce appetite through signals between the gut and the brain, as this new treatment directly targets skeletal muscles and boosts their metabolism, allowing for fat reduction while maintaining muscle mass.
The study, published in the journal Cell, showed that the new compound improves body composition and the efficacy of blood sugar control in animal trials, with fewer cardiac side effects compared to some traditional diabetes and obesity medications.
When used in conjunction with GLP-1 medications, the drug has been able to counteract muscle loss that may occur with incretin-based weight loss treatments.
Preliminary human data, which included 48 volunteers and 25 diabetes patients, demonstrated that the drug is well-tolerated and suitable for once daily oral intake, according to scitechdaily.
Torleif Bengtsson, Professor of Molecular Biology stated: "The results suggest a potential for improving metabolic health without losing muscle mass. Muscles are essential in diabetes and obesity, and the link between muscle mass and longevity is clear."
The drug is based on a laboratory molecule belonging to the class of β2 agonists, selectively designed to enhance glucose absorption and metabolism in the muscles without causing excessive stimulation of the heart, one of the known limitations of traditional agonists.
Shen Wright, Assistant Professor at the Karolinska Institute, said: "This drug represents a completely new type of treatment, promoting healthy weight loss without the need for injections."
The new treatment represents an opportunity for possible use as a standalone drug or in parallel with GLP-1 medications, due to different mechanisms of action, which increases its flexibility in treatment plans.
The next step is to conduct a larger phase two clinical study, planned by Atrogi AB, the developer of the treatment, to verify if the same benefits observed in animal trials are replicated in diabetic and obese patients.
Researchers hope that this innovation will open up new horizons for treating diabetes and obesity more safely and effectively, while preserving muscle health and improving quality of life, representing a promising step towards developing oral medications that mimic the results of traditional injections without significant side effects.
