What Is Amycretin? Novo’s Next-Generation Amylin-GLP-1 Drug

Amycretin is an investigational obesity drug from Novo Nordisk that combines two appetite-regulating mechanisms, GLP-1 and amylin, in a single molecule, and it comes in two forms: a once-daily pill and a once-weekly injection. In early trials, it produced encouraging weight loss, with the subcutaneous version reaching the low 20s percent range at 36 weeks and the oral version producing about 13% at just 12 weeks, both without leveling off by the end of the studies. As of mid-2026, amycretin is early in development and not FDA approved. Novo Nordisk is moving both forms into phase 3 trials in 2026, so it’s a name to watch rather than an option available now.

What makes amycretin different

Most weight-loss drugs in development combine two or three separate hormone actions. Amycretin’s twist is that it’s a single molecule (unimolecular) that acts on both the GLP-1 and amylin receptors at once.

GLP-1 reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying, and improves blood sugar handling. Amylin is a hormone released with insulin that promotes fullness and helps regulate food intake. Combining both in one molecule aims to produce strong weight loss, potentially with good tolerability, which is a key goal since side effects are a major reason people stop treatment.

The other standout feature is flexibility. Amycretin is being developed as both a daily pill and a weekly injection, which could let treatment be tailored to what a person prefers.

What the early trial data shows

Amycretin’s early evidence comes from two studies. The injectable version was evaluated in a phase 1b/2a trial published in The Lancet in 2025, which found significant weight loss across the doses tested in 125 adults with overweight or obesity, with no plateau by the end. A companion phase 1 trial of the oral form reported about 13% weight loss at 12 weeks, which outpaced what semaglutide produces at the same early timepoint.

It’s important to keep these results in perspective. These were small, early-phase trials, so the figures should be read as promising signals rather than final numbers. Larger phase 3 trials will show what amycretin can really do over longer durations.

Novo Nordisk also reported positive phase 2 results in people with type 2 diabetes in late 2025, further supporting the molecule’s potential.

Side effects

In early trials, amycretin’s side effects were mostly mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal effects, consistent with GLP-1 and amylin-based therapies, and they tended to increase with higher doses before resolving. As with any drug at this stage, tolerability and safety will be characterized much more fully in phase 3.

Where it stands

Based on its early results and regulatory feedback, Novo Nordisk is advancing both the oral and injectable forms of amycretin into phase 3 trials in 2026, across obesity and type 2 diabetes. Because it’s just entering late-stage testing, availability is likely years away, and only if the larger trials succeed.

Common questions

Is amycretin available now?

No. It’s investigational and just entering phase 3 trials as of 2026. It can’t be prescribed outside of a study.

Is amycretin a pill or an injection?

Both. Novo Nordisk is developing a once-daily oral form and a once-weekly injectable form.

How does amycretin compare to Wegovy?

In an early oral trial, amycretin produced more weight loss than semaglutide at the same 12-week timepoint, but these are early, small studies. A fair comparison needs completed phase 3 data.

The bottom line

Amycretin is one of the more intriguing drugs in the pipeline, combining GLP-1 and amylin in a single molecule offered as either a pill or an injection. But it’s early in development and not available yet. If you’d rather start now than wait years, proven options exist today. You can see which treatments you’re a candidate for through TrimRx’s quiz and get guidance from a licensed provider.

This information is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Amycretin is investigational and not FDA approved; early-phase results may not hold in larger trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication. Individual results may vary.