Novo Nordisk Receives IND Approval in China for GLP-1/GIP Dual Agonist Combination Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes

Article Source: PharmaCube Info

Author: Yang Guang

Recently, the official website of the CDE indicated that the clinical trial application for Novo Nordisk's NNC0480-0389 injection, in combination with semaglutide injection as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, has been approved.

NNC0480-0389 injection is a GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) analog. The structure and function of GIP are similar to those of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). As an incretin, it is secreted by the small intestine during food digestion and stimulates pancreatic β-cells to secrete insulin. In healthy individuals, endogenous GIP exhibits a potent insulinotropic effect; however, in patients with type 2 diabetes, the insulinotropic effect of GIP is significantly diminished. Consequently, GIP has historically not been developed as a therapeutic agent for diabetes.

Semaglutide was approved for marketing by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) on April 29 this year, as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is a human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue that activates the GLP-1 receptor by mimicking natural GLP-1. It enhances insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, delays gastric emptying, and reduces food intake through centrally mediated appetite suppression, thereby exerting a blood glucose-lowering effect.

Compared with GLP-1 receptor agonist monotherapy, dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists demonstrate superior synergistic weight-loss efficacy and exert beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism.