A newly developed pill may offer a completely different way to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, according to research published in the journal Cell.
Scientists from Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University say the experimental treatment could help people improve blood sugar control and lose unhealthy body fat without some of the drawbacks seen with current weight-loss medicines.
Over the past few years, drugs such as Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications have become widely known because of their ability to help people lose weight and manage diabetes. These medicines have helped many patients and have changed the way doctors treat metabolic diseases.
However, they are not perfect. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and appetite suppression. While reduced appetite helps with weight loss, it can also contribute to the loss of muscle mass, which may not be desirable, especially for older adults.
Muscle plays an important role in overall health. It helps the body use sugar efficiently, supports mobility and strength, and is linked to healthier aging. Scientists have therefore been searching for treatments that improve metabolism while protecting muscle tissue.
The new drug takes a very different approach. Instead of acting on signals between the gut and the brain to reduce hunger, it works directly inside skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles are the muscles attached to bones that help people move, walk, lift objects, and perform daily activities. These muscles are also one of the body’s largest users of glucose.
Researchers designed the drug around a laboratory-created molecule known as a beta-2 agonist. Although similar compounds have been studied before, they often caused unwanted effects on the heart.
The research team says they developed a new version that activates beneficial pathways in muscle tissue while avoiding excessive stimulation of the cardiovascular system.
In animal studies, the treatment improved blood sugar control and increased the body’s ability to burn fat. Importantly, the animals did not experience appetite suppression. Researchers also reported that muscle mass was preserved, suggesting that weight loss occurred in a healthier way than what is sometimes seen with other treatments.
To begin testing the treatment in people, scientists conducted an early Phase I clinical trial. The study included 48 healthy volunteers and 25 individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The primary purpose of a Phase I trial is to evaluate safety and determine whether a drug is well tolerated. According to the researchers, participants handled the medication well, and no major safety concerns were reported.
Professor Tore Bengtsson from Stockholm University explained that the findings point toward a future where metabolic health can be improved without sacrificing muscle. This could be especially important because muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and preserving it may help maintain independence and quality of life.
Another advantage is that the treatment comes in pill form. Many diabetes and obesity medications require injections, which some people find inconvenient or uncomfortable. A tablet may make treatment easier for many patients.
Researchers also believe the new drug could be used alongside existing medications. Because it works through a different biological pathway, it may complement GLP-1 drugs rather than replace them. Combining treatments could potentially allow doctors to achieve better results for patients with complex metabolic conditions.
The next step will be a larger Phase II clinical trial. This stage of testing will examine whether the benefits seen in laboratory and early human studies can be confirmed in people living with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The research involved scientists from several international institutions, including the University of Copenhagen, Monash University, Uppsala University, and the University of Queensland. The study was funded by major research organizations, including the Swedish Research Council and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
While the results are exciting, it is important to remember that the treatment is still experimental. The current human trial was relatively small and focused mainly on safety. Larger studies will be needed before doctors can know whether the drug delivers meaningful long-term benefits.
Overall, the findings represent a promising new direction in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes. Rather than reducing hunger, the treatment appears to help the body become more efficient at using energy.
If future studies confirm these benefits, the drug could provide an alternative option for people who cannot tolerate existing therapies or who want a treatment that preserves muscle while improving metabolic health.
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Source: Karolinska Institutet.
