Losing weight can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when many treatments come with uncomfortable side effects or questionable effectiveness. But here’s where it gets controversial: a new oral medication shows promise for significant weight loss with surprisingly few gastrointestinal issues—and no muscle loss observed so far. And this is the part most people miss: Could this treatment revolutionize how we approach obesity management?
In a recent phase II trial presented at Obesity Week, researchers explored the potential of an experimental oral drug called NA-931. This tiny molecule targets four different receptors—namely, IGF-1, GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon—that play crucial roles in regulating metabolism, appetite, and energy expenditure. Importantly, the study found that at a 150-mg dose, participants lost an average of just under 12% of their body weight, even after accounting for placebo effects. For comparison, such significant weight loss is often seen with some injectable treatments, but NA-931 offers the convenience and safety of oral administration.
According to Lloyd L. Tran, PhD, CEO of Biomed Industries, NA-931 stands out as an innovative solution—a safe, effective oral alternative to injections, with a potentially better safety profile than other emerging oral options. He emphasized that these encouraging phase II results highlight its potential as a pioneering first-in-class therapy for obesity. The company is now preparing to move into phase III trials, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and user-friendly treatment option for the millions battling excess weight.
Healthcare experts like Dr. Holly Lofton from NYU Langone have expressed their enthusiasm for these findings. She pointed out that the impressive weight loss accompanied by muscle preservation is a critical advantage, especially since many weight loss methods attack muscle tissue along with fat. Nonetheless, she cautioned that future trials need to verify whether similar results can be sustained long-term, and how much of the weight lost is fat versus other tissues.
The study involved 125 participants, all with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) and at least one related health issue. Of these, 29 received a placebo, while the remaining 96 were assigned to varying doses of NA-931—60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg, or 150 mg—taken daily over 13 weeks. Those on higher doses started with lower doses and gradually increased to reduce potential side effects. The participants were predominantly women, averaging between 41 and 46 years old, mostly of white and Asian descent, with baseline weights around 96 to 100 kg (213-220 lbs) and BMI ranging from 34.4 to 37.8.
Results showed a clear dose-dependent reduction in body weight: from an average decrease of 1.9% with placebo up to nearly 14% with the highest dose. When adjusted for placebo effects, the 120-mg dose still resulted in about 9.4% total body weight loss, demonstrating notable efficacy.
Importantly, side effects were mild and manageable. Nearly no participants reported moderate or severe nausea—just occasional mild nausea in a small percentage of cases. Rates of vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation remained low and similar across all groups, and no serious neurological, infectious, or musculoskeletal issues were observed.
Dr. Lofton summed up the mood in the field perfectly: "It’s an exciting era for weight management drugs. Discovering ways to target glucagon receptors to promote fat loss while protecting muscle mass could be one of the most important scientific breakthroughs of the last decade. Still, we must keep a close eye on side effects and long-term success. What do you think—could an oral drug truly replace injectable therapies, or are there risks we’re overlooking? Share your thoughts below!"
