Diet drug jab could help patients lose 10% of their weight in months by taking over body's appetite-regulating system, scientists say
An injection can help the overweight lose nearly a tenth of their body weight in just a few months, claim scientists. Researchers say the drug – yet to be named – hijacks a patient's appetite-regulating system, making them feel full.
Creators, German firm Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma of Denmark, believe it could eventually be given to many overweight patients.
The drug, known as BI456906, must clear more hurdles before it is approved.
However, those behind it claim it is more effective than already licensed drugs that work in a similar way.
US researchers tested BI456906 on 400 patients in their fifties. They weighed 15st 4lb (97kg), on average.
After four months, those given the highest dose shed roughly 9 per cent of their body weight, the equivalent of 1st 5lb (8.6kg).
In comparison, patients given Wegovy – another new weight loss drug – lost 5.4 per cent.
BI456906 works like Wegovy, triggering production of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which is released naturally after meals and helps control blood sugar.
The study is due to be presented to The Obesity Society in California in November.
28 October 2022
