Roche's enicepatide delivers striking results for type 2 diabetes and weight

Roche's enicepatide, a once-weekly injectable GLP-1/GIP dual agonist, is turning heads with phase 2 trial data showing major improvements in both blood sugar control and body weight for adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (CT-388-104) enrolled 447 participants over 48 weeks.

At the highest dose of 24 mg, enicepatide slashed HbA1c by 2.65 percentage points — with 90% of patients reaching an HbA1c of 6.5% or below, and 62% dropping below 5.7% (the threshold for normal blood sugar). Notably, weight loss hadn't plateaued by week 48, suggesting even greater potential with longer treatment.

By the Numbers

• 2.65 percentage points — reduction in HbA1c at the 24 mg dose
• 90% of patients on 24 mg reached HbA1c ≤6.5%
• 62% achieved HbA1c below 5.7% (normal range)
• 15.5% mean body weight loss at 48 weeks
• 2% discontinuation rate due to adverse events

Why it matters: If phase 3 results hold up, enicepatide could emerge as a best-in-class option for simultaneously managing blood sugar and obesity in type 2 diabetes — a combination that could meaningfully reduce long-term complications like cardiovascular disease and kidney damage.