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In clinical trials

Digestive & weight

Amycretin

EvidenceModerate research
ClassAmylin + GLP-1 co-agonist

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 statusInvestigational peptide, not approved by the FDA or any regulator
What it isGLP-1 and amylin receptor co-agonist, studied as both an injection and a tablet
ResearchHuman evidence from early-phase (Phase 1/2a) trials in overweight and obesity
ResultsDose-dependent weight loss, but only in short studies with high discontinuation
Evidence strengthModerate 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:

TrialDurationFindings
Phase 1b/2a trial of the subcutaneous form3 in 125 adults with overweight or obesityUp to 36 weeksDose-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 form512 weeksFocused 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.