Eli Lilly and Company's dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist (GIP/GLP-1 RA) LY3298176 led to lowered blood sugar levels and weight loss.

LY3298176 is a new drug candidate for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. It is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonist (GIP/GLP-1 RA) that integrates the actions of both incretins into a single molecule, aiming to build upon the clinical benefits seen with selective GLP-1 RAs.

Drug maker Eli Lilly and Company (Lily) has expressed excitement about the results of a recent six-month phase 2b clinical trial investigating the performance of once-weekly LY3298176. The company reported that the GIP/GLP-1 RA exhibited “strong and clinically meaningful blood sugar reduction and weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes.” 

Average reductions in HbA1c levels of up to 2.4 percentage points and an average weight reduction up to 11.3 kg (12.7%) were achieved in 300 participants. Higher doses (15 mg) provided the best responses, and treatment with LY32981 t76 provided better results than dulaglutide and placebo. The safety profile of the new candidate is similar to that of drugs in the GLP-1 RA class.

"These phase 2b clinical trial results for GIP/GLP-1 RA are unprecedented, and the impressive blood glucose and weight reductions seen may lead to a new treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes," said Juan P. Frias, M.D., President and Principal Investigator, National Research Institute. "The next wave of innovation in the study of incretins for treating type 2 diabetes is fascinating. We're taking the already proven benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists and looking at a new molecule that integrates GIP action to see what additional benefits are possible."