Roche reports positive Phase II results for obesity and diabetes drug enicepatide

Roche and its member Genentech have reported positive topline results from a Phase II clinical trial for enicepatide, an experimental once-weekly dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. The study evaluated the drug in adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.

At the highest tested dose of 24 mg, participants achieved a mean weight loss of 15.5% after 48 weeks. The drug also significantly improved glycemic control, with an average HbA1c reduction of 2.65 percentage points. Notably, 90% of patients in the 24 mg group reached the target HbA1c level of ≤6.5%, and 62% achieved normoglycemia (HbA1c < 5.7%).

While the results are encouraging, enicepatide is still an investigational treatment and is not yet approved for clinical use. Roche plans to advance the drug into Phase III studies, focusing on blood glucose control and potential cardiovascular benefits. The company aims to compete in the significant weight-loss and diabetes medication market currently led by companies such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.