A promising new weight loss medication, CT-388, has demonstrated the potential to accelerate fat loss at rates significantly higher than current popular treatments like Ozempic. Early trial results indicate that patients using CT-388, a once-weekly injection, experienced an average body weight reduction of approximately 19 percent over five and a half months.
In contrast, studies of semaglutide—the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy—show average weight loss figures around 10 percent after a similar duration. Additionally, the new drug has shown remarkable results in managing pre-diabetes, with all participants achieving remission by the end of the trial.
The data, released by Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche, suggests that CT-388’s side effect profile is comparable to existing weight loss injections. The most common adverse effects include mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
The Phase 1 trial, involving 31 obese adults without pre-existing conditions like type 2 diabetes, revealed that 45 percent of participants lost more than 20 percent of their body weight by week 24. Notably, all participants experienced a minimum of a 5 percent weight loss.
CT-388 operates on a mechanism similar to Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are produced by Eli Lilly. Unlike semaglutide, which primarily targets the hormone GLP-1 to control appetite, CT-388 also affects GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Both hormones contribute to feelings of fullness and appetite suppression.
For context, Mounjaro and Zepbound have been associated with about 20 percent body weight loss over 36 weeks. CT-388’s early performance may position it as a superior option, contingent upon further validation through additional trials.
Dr. Levi Garraway, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the drug’s progress. “We are very pleased to see the significant and clinically meaningful weight loss in people treated with CT-388,” Garraway said. “These results are highly encouraging for further development and underscore the drug’s potential as a leading therapy for obesity and type 2 diabetes.”
Despite the promising data, CT-388 remains in the developmental phase and requires additional trials to confirm its efficacy and safety before it can reach the approval stage. Pricing details are not yet available, but for reference, Ozempic is currently priced at approximately $900 per month.
The introduction of CT-388 comes as pharmaceutical companies are rapidly expanding their portfolios to meet the burgeoning demand for weight loss solutions, which is projected to reach $44 billion by 2030, a dramatic increase from less than $100 million in 2020.
In recent months, pharmaceutical stocks have seen volatility linked to weight loss drug developments. Roche’s share price rose by 4 percent following the announcement of CT-388’s results. Similarly, Novo Nordisk and Viking Therapeutics experienced notable stock increases in response to their own weight loss drug advancements.
As the market for weight loss medications continues to grow, CT-388 could become a pivotal player in the quest for more effective treatments.
