Weight loss of 15pc recorded in new obesity drug trials, involving UCD professor
'The REDEFINE 2 study showed that CagriSema, a new treatment in development for the disease of obesity, can allow patients with type 2 diabetes lose 15pc body weight, while putting their blood sugar levels back in the normal range,' said Professor Carel LeRoux, a leading weight-loss researcher at the UCD Conway Institute, and a principal investigator on the study.
'What patients often tell us is that they again can do all the things they want because they feel so much more functional,' said Prof Le Roux.
'We also see that the side effects are manageable and clinicians are getting much better at reducing common side effects.
'Taken together, this will allow clinicians to control the disease of obesity, which will allow us to disrupt the disease of type 2 diabetes.'
CarigSema is a combination of Cagrilintide and Semaglutide. The latter is marketed under the brands of Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus.
CarigSema is seen as a potential follow-on treatment for people already being treated for obesity, and type 2 diabetes, or both, with Ozempic and Wegovy or Mounjaro – a drug that slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach.
CarigSema is a combination of Semaglutide, a so-called GLP-1 analogue that is better known as Ozempic, and Cagrilintide is an analogue of Amylin.
An analogue in chemistry is the name for something that is similar, but not identical to something else, and often mimics its action inside the body.
The GLP-1 analogues, which include Ozempic and Wegovy, act by imitating incretin, a natural hormone that decreases blood sugars and reduces appetite.
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Meanwhile, Cagrilintide, is an analogue of Amylin, another natural hormone in the body and one which promotes satiety - the feeling of being full after eating.
'In a phase three clinical trial, participants with type 2 diabetes and obesity experienced unprecedented weight loss,' said Prof Le Roux, who said that the CarigSema trial 'marks a turning point' in weight and diabetes management.
'Many participants expressed joy in regaining abilities that their condition had previously hindered – playing with grandchildren, tying shoelaces and performing daily activities became accessible once more.'
The treatment, said Prof Le Roux, involves a weekly injection, which enables patients to manage their disease, and also accommodate healthier lifestyles.
The REDEFINE trial results offer a 'beacon of hope' for people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity, he said, with results that promise to promote not just weight loss, but to enhance people's quality of life and well-being.
'Patients can look forward to a future where managing diabetes can lead to healthier lifestyles and renewed vitality,' said Prof Le Roux.
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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
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The Journal
3 days ago
- The Journal
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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
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Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. ''It's not by choice - I think drastically dropping is far too risky for Advertisement The TikToker also confirmed she had been on a ''high dose'' of the jab. Social media users react The brutally honest clip sparked over 600 comments left by fellow fat jab users - many of whom opened up about their experience of ''food noise''. 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You just have to push through until the Another said: ''Been off it three days and I'm definitely eating more. But this is where willpower comes in. I'll never be the 26 stone I was last year.'' Advertisement What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. 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