Novel Oral Medication Shows Promise for Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

A new oral medication, developed by researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, demonstrates promising effects in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity without the common side effects associated with existing treatments. The study, published in the journal Cell in June 2025, reveals that this drug can lower blood sugar levels and enhance fat burning without negatively impacting appetite or muscle mass.

This innovative medication operates through a distinct mechanism compared to the widely used GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, which are administered via injection. GLP-1 drugs primarily influence hunger signals between the gut and the brain but often lead to undesirable side effects, including appetite suppression, diminished muscle mass, and gastrointestinal issues. In contrast, the new drug activates metabolic processes in skeletal muscle, providing an alternative treatment pathway.

Professor Tore Bengtsson, a key researcher from the Department of Molecular Bioscience at the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, stated, "Our results point to a future where we can improve metabolic health without losing muscle mass. Muscles play a vital role in the context of type 2 diabetes and obesity, and maintaining muscle mass is directly correlated with life expectancy."

In preclinical studies involving animal models, the new drug demonstrated positive results in controlling blood sugar and improving body composition, with researchers noting a lack of adverse side effects. A preliminary phase I clinical trial involving 48 healthy subjects and 25 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes showed that participants tolerated the treatment well.

Shane C. Wright, an assistant professor at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, highlighted the significance of this drug, stating, "This treatment not only promotes healthy weight loss but also eliminates the need for injections, making it more accessible to patients."

The new drug's unique mechanism allows it to function independently or in conjunction with GLP-1 medications, offering a multifaceted approach to treatment. Wright asserted, "This characteristic makes it valuable both as a standalone therapy and a complement to GLP-1 drugs."

Looking ahead, Atrogi AB, the company responsible for developing the medication, plans to initiate a phase II clinical study to further evaluate its efficacy in individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity. This study is the culmination of collaborative efforts among several esteemed academic institutions, including Uppsala University in Sweden, the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, and Monash University and the University of Queensland in Australia.

Funding for this groundbreaking research was provided by the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Society for Medical Research, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, among others. Interestingly, several authors of the study are affiliated with Atrogi AB, which has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. Professor Bengtsson, who is also the founder and chief scientific officer of Atrogi AB, along with other researchers, has filed patents for the substances investigated in this study, prompting a call for transparency in the commercialization of such findings.

The implications of this research are significant, as obesity and type 2 diabetes are global health crises affecting millions. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 422 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for the vast majority of cases. The development of effective treatments that minimize side effects is crucial in addressing this escalating public health issue.

In summary, the introduction of this new oral drug marks a pivotal advancement in diabetes and obesity management, with the potential to reshape treatment paradigms and improve patient outcomes. As further clinical trials proceed, the medical community remains optimistic about the drug's capacity to deliver significant health benefits without the burdensome side effects of current therapies.