Addressing obesity and related low-grade inflammation is a critical unmet need in metabolic health. This phase 1b trial of once-weekly dapiglutide, a first-in-class GLP-1 receptor/GLP-2 receptor agonist, was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2025 (EASD 2025).

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 54 healthy participants with body mass index between 27 and 39.9 kg/m² were randomized across three dose cohorts (7.5 mg, 10 mg, 13 mg). Dose escalation every two weeks was used to reach target doses over 13 weeks, without lifestyle interventions.

Dapiglutide was generally safe and well-tolerated, with mostly mild gastrointestinal and metabolic adverse events. Two participants discontinued due to gastrointestinal events. Pharmacokinetics were dose-proportional, with a mean half-life of 112–119 hours, supporting once-weekly administration. Low anti-drug antibody titers were detected in 14.3% of participants, with no apparent impact on efficacy or safety.

After 13 weeks, placebo-corrected mean body weight reductions were 6.7%, 8.3%, and 7.1% for the 7.5 mg, 10 mg, and 13 mg dose cohorts, respectively, compared to a 2.1% weight gain on placebo. These findings support dapiglutide’s potential as a safe, effective once-weekly therapy for weight management, with higher doses up to 26 mg under evaluation.