Roche’s dual GLP-1/GIP drug enicepatide lowers HbA1c in phase 2 trial, sparking best-in-disease hopes

Roche reported that its dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, enicepatide, met the primary goals of a phase 2 study in patients with type 2 diabetes. The top 24‑mg weekly dose reduced HbA1c by 2.65% over 48 weeks, indicating strong glucose‑lowering activity.

The molecule, also known as CT-388, was acquired from Carmot Therapeutics in Roche’s $2.7 billion takeover. Roche highlights a dually biased mechanism that it believes could extend the drug’s pharmacologic effect compared with existing GLP‑1/GIP agents such as Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound).

Roche contrasted its results with Lilly’s phase 3 data, where tirzepatide achieved up to a 1.8% HbA1c drop and Lilly’s triple‑agonist retatrutide showed a 1.94% reduction. The larger decline seen with enicepatide positions it as a potential best‑in‑disease candidate for both diabetes and obesity treatment.