Genentech, a member of the Roche Group  announced positive results from the Phase Ib clinical trial of CT-388, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist being developed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Over 24 weeks, a once-weekly subcutaneous injection of CT-388 achieved a clinically meaningful and statistically significant mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8% (p < 0.001). At week 24, 100% of CT-388 treated participants achieved >5% weight loss, 70% achieved >15%, and 45% achieved >20% weight loss. The treatment showed a safety and tolerability profile consistent with its drug class, with no new or unexpected safety signals detected.

“In a subgroup with pre-diabetes at baseline, CT-388 treatment normalized glycemia in all patients, indicating its strong impact on glucose homeostasis,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development at Genentech.

Obesity is a pressing global health concern with extensive comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, steatohepatitis, and chronic kidney disease. CT-388 belongs to the class of incretin-based medicines that aim to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite by selectively targeting and activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors.

“We are very pleased to see the significant and clinically meaningful weight loss in people treated with CT-388,” said Dr. Garraway. “The results are highly encouraging for further development of CT-388 for both obesity and type 2 diabetes and underscore its potential to become a best-in-class therapy with durable weight loss and glucose control.”

An additional cohort from the ongoing placebo-controlled Phase Ib trial of CT-388 will evaluate obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes over a 12-week treatment duration. Data from this additional cohort is expected in the second half of 2024.