A new potential drug treatment for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity is showing promising results without the side effects of current treatments.
Researcher Tore Bengtsson, from Stockholm University said the new fat-burning drug, which was taken in tablet form, had a completely different mechanism of action than the well-known GLP-1-based drugs, such as Ozempic, which was administered via injections.
Professor Bengtsson said GLP-1 drugs affected hunger via signals between the gut and the brain, but often had side effects such as loss of appetite, reduced muscle mass, and gastrointestinal problems.
He said the new substance instead activated metabolism in skeletal muscle.
“In animal studies, the treatment has shown good effects on both blood sugar control and body composition, but without the side effects associated with today’s GLP-1-based drugs.
“Our results point to a future where we can improve metabolic health without losing muscle mass.”
Professor Bengtsson said muscles were important in both type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as also being directly correlated with life expectancy.
He said the drug substance was based on a molecule that could activate important signalling pathways in the body in a new way, which had a positive effect on the muscles without overstimulating the heart.
Read the full study: GRK-biased adrenergic agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
