Innovative Once-Weekly Injection Demonstrates Potential for Managing Diabetes and Facilitating Weight Loss

A recent breakthrough in diabetes treatment involves a novel medication, ecnoglutide, administered as a once-weekly injection. In a comprehensive phase 3 clinical trial, ecnoglutide was found to be as effective as dulaglutide—another once-weekly drug—in reducing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Notably, patients receiving ecnoglutide experienced greater weight loss compared to those on dulaglutide, with an average weight reduction of approximately 5.2% to 5.7%, versus 2.8% in the dulaglutide group.

The study, which spanned a year and involved over 600 participants in China, measured the decline in blood glucose levels and weight loss, revealing that ecnoglutide lowered blood sugar by about 1.9%, slightly surpassing the 1.65% reduction seen with dulaglutide. The medication operates by targeting the GLP-1 receptor, enhancing insulin secretion and reducing blood sugar levels, while selectively activating certain pathways to improve efficacy and minimize side effects.

Patients tolerated ecnoglutide well, with mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea that generally diminished over time. Additionally, manufacturing advantages of ecnoglutide suggest it may be produced more cost-effectively than existing GLP-1 receptor agonists, potentially increasing accessibility.

Experts consider this promising development as a dual-purpose therapy that not only effectively controls blood sugar but also promotes significant weight loss, both critical in reducing cardiovascular risks associated with type 2 diabetes. Further research is needed to confirm these benefits across diverse populations and in combination with other treatments.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-week-dual-diabetes-weight-loss.html