Move over Ozempic, Greenville researchers testing out similar drug, that could be more effective
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) — There has been a lot of attention about a diabetes drug called Ozempic that can also help people lose weight. Now researchers in Greenville are testing another similar drug. But it might be more effective.
Rosie O'Donnell says diabetes drug Mounjaro recently helped her lose 10 pounds. Currently, the FDA has approved the drug only for the treatment of diabetes, not for weight loss. That's why researchers in Greenville continue to conduct clinical trials of the drug ingredient.
Tribal Clinical Research in Greenville is currently conducting dozens of studies. Now they are looking for more patients to analyze the effectiveness of the diabetes drug.
“It's a once-weekly medication that helps lower their blood sugar,” says Cathleen Jeffers, a nurse practitioner physician for Tribal Clinical Research. “It's also been shown to help with weight loss.”
The researchers couldn't call it by brand name, so it's called the GLP-GIP combination drug. GLP is a hormone in our gut that helps control blood sugar levels and reduces appetite. Is the main activator in Ozempic. This new drug works in combination with another gut hormone called GIP. This hormone also helps control blood sugar levels. Researchers are studying the effects of GIP on eating, metabolism and appetite. Previous research has shown that a combination of hormones may be more effective for weight loss.
“Additional effects of the GIP hormone are still being tested,” Jeffers said.
Similar to other diabetes weight-loss drugs, the drug is an injectable, Jeffers said. She said the needle is the size of an insulin injection.
Currently only diabetic patients can participate in clinical trials. To be eligible, you must have been diagnosed with diabetes within the past four years. You are currently taking the diabetes drug metformin. And you must be at least 18 years old. Those involved in the trial will also be compensated for their time spent.
Common side effects of this drug include gastrointestinal pain or discomfort. Anyone with a history of thyroid cancer should not take this drug. To learn more about the trial, click here.
Copyright 2023 WHNS. all rights reserved.
