Ecnoglutide (XW003), a novel cAMP signaling biased GLP-1 analog, demonstrated significant efficacy in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, according to research presented at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida.

The phase 3 study evaluated ecnoglutide's impact over 24 weeks across 33 sites in China. Participants were randomized to receive either 0.6 mg or 1.2 mg of ecnoglutide once weekly, alongside a placebo group.

Significant reductions in HbA1c levels, ranging from 1.96% to 2.43% compared to baseline after 24 weeks, were observed. Notably, 76.1% of those on 1.2 mg ecnoglutide achieved HbA1c levels of 6.5% or less, with 35.2% achieving HbA1c levels less than 5.7%, and 43.7% experiencing weight reductions of 5% or greater.

The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with mild to moderate reported adverse events such as decreased appetite, diarrhea, and nausea. The proportion of participants reporting any adverse event ranged from 77.5% to 78.3% for ecnoglutide groups and 60.6% for placebo. Treatment-related grade 3 or higher adverse events were reported in 2.9% of ecnoglutide recipients, with one treatment-related serious event. One participant discontinued treatment in each cohort due to an adverse event.

The authors declared having no competing interests.