In clinical trials
Digestive & weight
Amycretin
Amycretin is an investigational drug that targets GLP-1 and amylin receptors for weight management. See how it works and what early trials have found so far.
- Reviewed by
- William Maish, MD MBA MPH, Clinical Product Lead
- Published
- October 5, 2026
- Last updated
- October 5, 2026
Key takeaway
Amycretin is an investigational single-molecule drug that activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the amylin receptor, being developed by Novo Nordisk in subcutaneous and oral forms for weight management. In a 2025 phase 1b/2a trial of 125 adults with overweight or obesity, the 60 mg group lost 24.3% of body weight at 36 weeks versus 1.1% on placebo (p < 0.0001), though many participants withdrew. As of 2026 it is not approved anywhere and is moving into Phase 3 testing.
At a glance
| FDA status | Investigational peptide, not approved by the FDA or any regulator |
| What it is | GLP-1 and amylin receptor co-agonist, studied as both an injection and a tablet |
| Research | Human evidence from early-phase (Phase 1/2a) trials in overweight and obesity |
| Results | Dose-dependent weight loss, but only in short studies with high discontinuation |
| Evidence strength | Moderate research |
What is amycretin?
Amycretin, also known as zenagamtide1, is an experimental drug that combines two hormone actions in one molecule: it activates the GLP-1 receptor and the amylin receptor at the same time. It is being developed by Novo Nordisk for weight management, in a once-weekly subcutaneous form and a once-daily oral form. It is investigational and has not been approved for any use.
How does it work?
Amycretin combines two appetite-signaling actions in one molecule. The first is activation of the GLP-1 receptor2, the same incretin target as drugs like semaglutide. Switching it on:
- Raises insulin release when blood sugar is high
- Slows how fast the stomach empties
- Reduces appetite
The second is activation of the amylin receptor3, which responds to amylin, a pancreatic hormone that promotes a feeling of fullness.
Each pathway curbs eating on its own, and the reason for building both into a single drug is that the two fullness signals may add together to reduce food intake more than either does alone. This is the proposed mechanism; whether it produces lasting benefit is what clinical trials are meant to establish.
Is it FDA-approved?
No. Amycretin is investigational and not approved by the FDA or any other regulator. According to Novo Nordisk, both the subcutaneous and oral forms are advancing into Phase 3 development for weight management after early-phase results. The Phase 3 trial AMAZE 1 began recruiting in February 20264.
What does the research show?
The human data so far come from early-phase trials. According to PubMed, the two published trials reported the following:
| Trial | Duration | Findings |
| Phase 1b/2a trial of the subcutaneous form3 in 125 adults with overweight or obesity | Up to 36 weeks | Dose-dependent weight reductions; weight fell 24.3% on 60 mg versus 1.1% on placebo3 at 36 weeks (p < 0.0001); mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects but a notably high rate of withdrawal and discontinuation |
| First-in-human trial of the oral form5 | 12 weeks | Focused mainly on safety and drug levels, with exploratory weight-change signals |
These are small, short studies; no Phase 3 efficacy data are available yet, so amycretin's longer-term effect and tolerability remain unproven.
More for digestive & weight
Sources: the Phase 1b/2a subcutaneous amycretin trial (Dahl et al., The Lancet, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01185-73) and the first-in-human oral amycretin trial (Gasiorek et al., The Lancet, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01176-65), both indexed on PubMed; and Novo Nordisk development updates. This document is educational, is not medical advice or a health claim, and is not an offer to sell any product.