Amycretin is the world's first GLP-1/amylin single molecule, and it comes in both forms: a weekly injection showing 22% weight loss, and a daily oral pill showing 13.1%. Both are in Phase 3. Only one other oral weight loss pill exists.
The only weight loss drug available in both a pill and an injection. The injection showed 22% weight loss and the oral pill showed 13.1% in early trials. Both formulations are now in Phase 3.
A single molecule that combines GLP-1 and amylin, in both a pill and an injection form. Amycretin is Novo Nordisk's next leap beyond Wegovy: instead of GLP-1 alone, it combines GLP-1 with amylin in a single molecule, and it's being developed as both a daily oral pill and a weekly injection simultaneously.
Amycretin is a unimolecular GLP-1/amylin combination, meaning both mechanisms are built into a single compound, not two separate drugs given together. This is chemically different from CagriSema (Novo's other combination drug), which is two separate molecules co-administered.
Amylin is a hormone released alongside insulin after meals. It helps regulate blood sugar and slows gastric emptying, reinforcing the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1 from a different angle. Combining them in one molecule may improve potency and reduce side effects compared to using either alone.
What makes Amycretin uniquely ambitious: Novo Nordisk is developing both a weekly injectable and a daily oral pill in parallel through Phase 3. The oral pill formulation could become only the second-ever oral weight loss pill (after Rybelsus), and potentially a far more effective one.
Two appetite-regulating hormones combined into a single drug, in pill or injection form. Each hormone targets a different aspect of appetite and metabolism. Together in one molecule, they produce stronger and potentially more durable results.
The GLP-1 component signals fullness to the brain, slows gastric emptying, and reduces hunger hormones. This is the same mechanism as Wegovy, but here it's paired with a second appetite-regulating hormone in one molecule for amplified effect.
Amylin is a pancreatic hormone that works alongside insulin to slow gastric emptying and suppress appetite through different brain pathways than GLP-1. Combining both in one molecule targets appetite from two independent angles simultaneously.
Uniquely, patients may eventually be able to choose between a weekly injection or a daily oral pill, depending on which Phase 3 formulation earns FDA approval. This flexibility could significantly expand who's able to benefit from the drug.
Injection: 22% at 36 weeks (Lancet). Oral: 13.1% at 12 weeks. Both in Phase 3. Early-phase data for both amycretin formulations has been published, painting an unusually clear picture of a drug's potential before Phase 3 is even complete.
The 13.1% oral pill result is notable for two reasons: it was from a Phase 1 trial (typically the smallest, shortest study), and it was measured at only 12 weeks. For reference, Wegovy (a weekly injection) shows about 15% at 68 weeks. An oral pill achieving 13.1% at just 12 weeks, before the dose is fully optimized and before any weight loss plateau, suggests substantially higher potential at longer durations in Phase 3.
Both formulations in Phase 3 since Q1 2026. FDA decision expected 2028-2029. Novo Nordisk is running Phase 3 programs for both the injection and oral formulations simultaneously. This is an unusually broad development program.
Phase 3 trials for both the injection and oral pill formulations are now enrolling. Participants receive amycretin at no cost under close medical supervision.
Search Open Trials →"I've been running trials long enough to know that early data doesn't always hold. But the lean mass numbers in amycretin's early readouts were different from what we typically see in this drug class, and that's worth following carefully."
Dr. Humberto Fernandez-Miro, MD
Family Medicine · Clinical Research
Not available yet. Here's who it looks best suited for when it is. Amycretin isn't approved yet, but its dual-formulation strategy opens it up to a broader potential audience than most pipeline drugs. Here's who it looks most promising for.
Amycretin vs. approved drugs and other pipeline options. Amycretin's combination of a highly effective injection and a promising oral pill option makes it one of the most versatile pipeline drugs, especially for patients who can't or won't inject.
| Drug | Mechanism | Best Weight Loss | Dosing Options | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💊💉Amycretin | GLP-1 + Amylin (unimolecular) | 22% injection / 13.1% pill | Daily pill or weekly injection | Phase 3 |
| 💉Wegovy | GLP-1 Agonist | 15% | Weekly injection | FDA Approved |
| 💉Zepbound | GLP-1 + GIP Agonist | 20-21% | Weekly injection | FDA Approved |
| 💉Retatrutide | GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon | 24.2% | Weekly injection | Phase 3 |
| 💊Rybelsus | GLP-1 Agonist | 5% | Daily pill | FDA Approved |
Amycretin's oral 13.1% at 12 weeks compares favorably even to approved weekly injectables. All figures from Phase 1/2 trial publications. Approved drug figures from FDA-approved prescribing information.