Phase 2 Study Outcomes Emphasize Benefits of Once-Daily Injection for Weight Reduction and Lower Insulin Needs

PRNewswire -- Fresh research assessing acmopatide (CT-868), a once-daily dual glucagon-like peptide 1/gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor agonist (GLP-1/GIP RA) injection, showed that the therapy enhanced blood glucose control, lowered body weight, and proved generally safe for individuals with type 1 diabetes. The phase 2 trial findings were shared today during a symposium at the 2026 Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in New Orleans.

Roughly 1.2 million individuals across the U.S. live with type 1 diabetes, and among them 64 percent fall into the overweight or obesity category. Although insulin remains vital for blood glucose management in type 1 diabetes, it may encourage fat accumulation and weight increase, raising chances of severe issues like heart and kidney conditions and underscoring a clear need for non-insulin options. Dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs imitate natural GLP-1 and GIP hormones to aid blood glucose regulation, curb appetite, promote insulin secretion after meals, and assist weight reduction in type 2 diabetes cases without basal insulin. Still, more studies are required to gauge effects of GIP/GLP-1 RAs on type 1 diabetes results.

The phase 2 trial used a randomized, placebo-controlled design and included 111 adults with type 1 diabetes who had overweight or obesity (body mass index at or above 27 kg/m2). Participants received random assignment to acmopatide doses of 1.8 mg, 4.1 mg, 6.6 mg, or placebo. The main goal measured change in A1C, which tracks average blood glucose over the prior two to three months, from start to week 16. Additional goals covered shifts in body weight, insulin dose needs, and continuous glucose monitoring metrics from wearable devices that provide real-time glucose tracking.

Results indicated that acmopatide therapy boosted blood glucose management while cutting body weight and insulin needs among patients with type 1 diabetes. In the group (average age 41 years, BMI 34 kg/m2, starting A1C 7.5 percent) given 4.1 mg of CT-868, A1C dropped 0.34 percent from baseline, and 56 percent reached an A1C under 7 percent, the target level for diabetes care. Acmopatide also produced dose-related weight loss nearing 7 percent and cut insulin use by as much as 15 percent versus placebo. The therapy was mostly well tolerated without notable safety issues.

"Even with major progress in diabetes treatment, those with type 1 diabetes still face few choices outside insulin," noted Klara Klein, MD, PhD, the study's lead author. "These results point to promise for the first incretin therapy created for type 1 diabetes to broaden options, potentially improving glucose control, aiding weight management, and easing type 1 diabetes complications over time."

Research Presentation Details:
"Symposium - Dual Agonism in Type 1 Diabetes: Unveiling Efficacy and Safety of Adjunct Therapy with CT-868 (GLP-1/GIP RA) in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes-Phase 1 and 2 Results"

Klara Klein, MD, PhD, and Jeremy Pettus, MD
Phase 2 Study: Trial Design, Baseline Characteristics, and Key Glycemic Endpoints
Phase 2 Study: Key Secondary Endpoints, Safety/Tolerability, and Clinical Interpretation of Findings
Friday, June 5 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. CT
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Great Hall A (Level 1)

About American Diabetes Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions
The ADA's 2026 Scientific Sessions, the largest global scientific gathering centered on diabetes research, prevention, and care, takes place in New Orleans, LA, from June 5-8. Thousands of top physicians, scientists, and healthcare experts from worldwide locations are set to gather in person and online to present new research, treatment guidance, and steps toward a diabetes cure. Attendees gain special entry to thousands of original research talks and join lively discussions with leading diabetes specialists. Follow the Scientific Sessions on social media with #ADASciSessions.

About American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) serves as the country's top voluntary health group working to end diabetes and support thriving lives. This year the ADA marks 85 years of advancing discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes, and efforts continue. Over 155 million Americans live with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program building, and education, the organization supports all affected. Visit diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) to learn more or participate. Join the effort on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociacion Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). Explore advocacy work for those impacted by diabetes on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association