Fresh research backs monthly dosing as a next-generation path to better weight loss outcomes

/PRNewswire/ -- Fresh findings underscore the advantages of berobenatide, an investigational injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) across varied patient groups, including people with excess weight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes, and across dosage schedules from weekly to monthly. The findings were shared in symposium sessions at the 2026 Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in New Orleans.

Obesity and diabetes raise the chance of serious issues such as cardiovascular diseases. As therapies advance, many seek next-generation dosing plans meant to boost results, simplify routines, and lower injection frequency thanks to longer half-life and ongoing disease care. New approaches may aid weight control, metabolic health, adherence, and ease for patients. Investigators assessed berobenatide, an investigational ultra-long-acting GLP-1 RA created to help control appetite and blood glucose, offering weekly or monthly options.

Findings Support Monthly Injection as a Strong Obesity Therapy for Weight Reduction

VESPER-3 is a phase 2b trial testing whether berobenatide can move from once-weekly to once-monthly dosing while preserving weight loss and tolerability. Like VESPER-1, it included adults with overweight or obesity who did not have type 2 diabetes.

Results from the VESPER-3 trial indicate berobenatide works well with monthly dosing, delivering solid weight loss and good tolerability in people with overweight or obesity. After 28 weeks, berobenatide produced placebo-adjusted weight loss reaching 12.3 percent at the 4.8 mg monthly dose. Safety and tolerability aligned with the GLP-1 RA class.

"Berobenatide could become a key new choice for those living with overweight or obesity, particularly since once-monthly dosing may provide a simpler option compared with current more frequent injections," said John Buse, MD, PhD, lead author of the study. "For patients, this reduced dosing frequency may lessen the load of long-term therapy and encourage stronger adherence in chronic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes."

The final readout of the VESPER-3 study will occur at 64 weeks and supply longer-term data. Authors add that the three phase 2b trials shaped the design and dosing plans for upcoming VESPER studies, including the VESPER-4 phase 3 and VESPER-6 phase 3 trials.

Studies Show Early Signs of Injection Benefits for Both Weight Loss and Glucose Control

Two further studies also presented positive outcomes for berobenatide. The VESPER-1 and VESPER-2 trials are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trials exploring once-weekly berobenatide injection in adults with overweight or obesity over 28 weeks.

Results from the VESPER-1 trial show berobenatide delivers effective weight loss and favorable tolerability with weekly dosing for patients with obesity. The VESPER-1 OLE (open-label extension) carried these observations to higher doses and varied schedules.

VESPER-2 trial outcomes mirror earlier berobenatide studies, showing a favorable risk/benefit profile and extending the data to people living with overweight or obesity plus type 2 diabetes.

Research Presentation Details
The VESPER-1 Open-label Extension and Primary Outcomes of the VESPER-3 Phase 2b Trials in Adults with Overweight and Obesity

John Buse, MD, PhD
Symposium - The VESPER-1 OLE, -2 and -3 Trials of Berobenatide (MET-097, PF-08653944) an Ultra-Long-Acting GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Weight Management
Saturday, June 6 from 8:35-8:50 a.m. CT
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Great Hall A (Level 1)

The VESPER-2b Trial of Berobenatide in Adults with Overweight/Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Illdiko Lingvay, MD
Symposium - The VESPER-1 OLE, -2 and -3 Trials of Berobenatide (MET-097, PF-08653944) an Ultra-Long-Acting GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Weight Management
Saturday, June 6 from 8:20-8:35 a.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 world's largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will be held in New Orleans, LA, from June 5-8. Thousands of leading physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals from around the world are expected to gather both in person and virtually to present cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. Attendees will receive exclusive access to thousands of original research presentations and join lively exchanges with leading diabetes experts. Join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using #ADASciSessions.

About American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA marks 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes - and we are not stopping. There are over 155 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we are fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociacion Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association