Summary
CT-388 is an experimental medicine targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors. An early human study found weight loss after four weekly injections, but it was far too small and short to establish lasting benefits or long-term safety.
What researchers tested
The repeated-dose portion enrolled 24 adults without diabetes in Mexico: 18 received CT-388 across three dosing schedules and six received placebo. Everyone completed it. The main purpose was to study safety and tolerability.
Three active groups each had six people; starting characteristics differed
CT-388 groups
4.7% to 8.0%
Pooled placebo
0.5%
Original visual based on the study.
| Group or measure | Result |
|---|---|
| CT-388 groups | 4.7% to 8.0% |
| Pooled placebo | 0.5% |
The main finding
Average weight loss after four weeks ranged from 4.7% to 8.0% across CT-388 groups, versus 0.5% with placebo. Each active group contained only six people, and their starting characteristics differed. This was not a comparison with semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Side effects and the bigger picture
Digestive side effects occurred in 15 of 18 CT-388 participants and three of six placebo participants. None were serious in this repeated-dose portion. However, a separate single-dose portion reported serious vomiting considered probably drug-related.
These early results cannot predict a year’s weight loss. Carmot, now part of Roche, funded the research and participated in its design, analysis and writing.