STOCKHOLM – A groundbreaking advancement in diabetes treatment emerges as Swedish researchers unveil a new drug that promises weight loss without compromising muscle mass.
Immediate Impact
The innovative medication, developed by scientists at the Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, offers a promising alternative to popular GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which are known to cause muscle mass reduction. The new drug, taken orally, activates metabolism in skeletal muscles, preserving muscle mass during weight loss.
Key Details Emerge
Unlike existing treatments, the new drug targets skeletal muscle metabolism, a method that could revolutionize diabetes and obesity management. Millions in the United States grapple with type 2 diabetes and obesity, conditions often treated with medications that inadvertently lead to muscle loss.
60% of muscle mass can be lost with some GLP-1 drugs.
The clinical trial, published in the journal Cell, involved 48 healthy individuals and 25 participants with type 2 diabetes. The drug was administered as a 2.5 mg tablet daily for 28 days, with researchers monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and other health metrics.
Industry Response
Dr. Mir Ali, a board-certified general surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center, highlighted the significance of the findings. “This seems to be a promising drug that could be a potential weight loss and diabetes medication,” he remarked, though he emphasized the need for comparative trials with existing GLP-1 drugs.
Meanwhile, Dr. Maria Knöbel, medical director of Medical Cert UK, noted the potential benefits for her patients. “The trial of this drug is promising since it provides a means of losing fat without losing muscles,” she commented.
By the Numbers
- 48 healthy participants
- 25 participants with type 2 diabetes
- 28 days trial duration
- 2.5 mg daily dosage
What Comes Next
Following the successful phase 1 trial, researchers plan to initiate a longer phase 2 trial to assess the drug’s impact on muscle mass, glucose levels, and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The next phase will be crucial in determining the drug’s efficacy and safety in a broader population.
Background Context
GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, function by reducing hunger signals and slowing gastric emptying. While effective for weight loss, they often lead to muscle loss, a significant drawback for patients aiming to maintain muscle mass for metabolic health.
Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat, making its preservation essential during weight loss.
Expert Analysis
Dr. Ali stressed the importance of preserving muscle mass during weight loss. “Losing muscle leads to weakness and a slower metabolic rate; more muscle means more calories are burned, even at rest,” he explained. This new drug could be a vital tool in achieving sustainable weight loss without the adverse effects on muscle health.
Dr. Knöbel added that maintaining muscle mass is critical for long-term glucose control and improved diabetes outcomes. “The saving of muscle mass with weight loss in these patients would be instrumental to the long-term control of glucose,” she noted.
The announcement comes as the medical community continues to seek effective treatments for diabetes and obesity that do not compromise muscle health. As the research progresses, the new drug could represent a significant shift in how these conditions are managed.
