Researchers across the U.S. have developed a potential new weight loss treatment that could compete with popular drugs like Ozempic, but without the difficult side effects. The compounds, GEP44 and KCEM1, were created by a team from Syracuse University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. This new approach targets appetite differently and could offer a much-needed alternative for patients who cannot tolerate existing medications.
A New Approach to Regulating Appetite
Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, which target GLP-1 receptors and often cause gastrointestinal distress, this new treatment focuses on PYY receptors. These receptors also help control appetite but do not appear to trigger the same severe side effects.
Dr. Robert Doyle, one of the lead researchers, stated that their work is showing significant weight loss results with little to no nausea or vomiting. This could be a game-changer for the many people who stop treatment early.
A 2024 study by Blue Health Intelligence revealed that over 30 percent of patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs quit within the first four weeks, largely due to side effects. Some studies show discontinuation rates as high as 74 percent in the first year. For these individuals, the issue isn’t effectiveness but the poor quality of life during treatment.
Challenging a Market Dominated by a Few
The researchers have already filed patents and formed a company, co-owned by Syracuse University and the University of Pennsylvania, to bring these drugs to market. While the company’s name is not yet public, they have secured investors and are preparing for human trials.
This development comes at a critical time in the weight loss drug market.
- The market is currently dominated by Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy and Ozempic.
- Extreme demand has led to widespread shortages, making the drugs hard to find.
- Without insurance coverage, some patients are paying over $1,000 per month.
Dr. Doyle noted that a monopoly in a new drug class leads to “astronomically expensive” prices, highlighting the need for more competition to improve access and affordability for patients.
Experts Remain Cautiously Optimistic
Not everyone is convinced that a PYY-based drug will be completely free of side effects. Dr. Satya Jonnalagadda of Medifast expressed caution, explaining that any medication acting on gut hormones is likely to have some gastrointestinal impact. “Given the peptides that are being looked at, GI will continue to be a major side effect,” she said.
Meanwhile, some medical professionals believe the side effects of current drugs are sometimes overstated. Dr. Holly Lofton from NYU Langone Health pointed out that in clinical trials, fewer than 5 percent of patients stopped taking GLP-1 drugs due to side effects. “Most people don’t have side effects,” she said, adding that those who do are often the most vocal.
What’s Next for This Potential Ozempic Rival?
The team behind GEP44 and KCEM1 is pushing forward with its research and development. Human trials are the next critical step and are expected to begin within the next year.
The core mission for Dr. Doyle and his colleagues has been consistent from the start. “Patients want to lose weight, but they don’t want to feel sick doing it,” Doyle explained. If their compounds prove safe and effective in humans, they could provide a powerful new option for weight management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are GEP44 and KCEM1?
GEP44 and KCEM1 are two new peptide compounds being developed as a weight loss treatment. They are designed to be an alternative to drugs like Ozempic but with fewer side effects like nausea and vomiting.
How do these new drugs work differently from Ozempic?
While Ozempic and Wegovy target GLP-1 receptors to control appetite, GEP44 and KCEM1 target PYY receptors. This different mechanism is believed to cause significant weight loss without triggering the same level of gastrointestinal discomfort.
When could this new weight loss drug be available to the public?
The drug is still in the early stages of development. The researchers expect to begin human trials within the next year. It will likely be several more years before it could be approved and made available to the public, pending successful trial results.
Why is there a need for an alternative to Wegovy and Ozempic?
Many patients stop taking current weight loss drugs due to severe side effects like nausea and vomiting. Additionally, the market is dominated by just a few products, leading to high prices, shortages, and limited options for patients.
Who is developing this new weight loss treatment?
The research is led by Dr. Robert Doyle from Syracuse University, in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Hayes from the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Christian Roth from Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
