ADA 2026: New Wave Of Anti-Obesity Medications Build Strength Coming Out Of The Lab

Research evidence excerpt

ADA 2026: New Wave Of Anti-Obesity Medications Build Strength Coming Out Of The Lab

y) while preserving lean muscle mass with no

identified significant off-target risks or safety signals.

Gubra flexes its muscles and delivers impressive preclinical AOM results. In an attempt to address the muscle loss

question, Gubra (GUBRA, not covered) achieved positive results in its preclinical murine study evaluating GUB-UCN2,

a long-acting corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2)-selective urocortin-2 (UCN2) analogue in aged

DIO rats. (Abstract 1103). Here, GUB-UCN2 monotherapy, semaglutide monotherapy, and GUB-UCN2+semaglutide

combination therapy were compared. Results from the study showed that GUB-UCN2 monotherapy not only increased

lean muscle mass by about 14% for both medium and low doses, compared to semaglutide's -3%, but also decreased

whole-body fat mass by -22% and -33% for the low and medium doses, respectively (vs. -20% for semaglutide).

Interestingly, GUB-UCN2+semaglutide combination therapy demonstrated an about 8% increase in lean muscle mass

while amplifying whole body fat loss by -48% to -55% and showing improvements in glucose, insulin, leptin, and

triglycerides over semaglutide monotherapy.

●Q&A: Based on audience interest, there was clear enthusiasm for this target. However, according to the presenter,

the mechanism of action of the target is still unclear, but they suggested the muscle was getting bigger driven

by an increase in muscle synthesis. Another question revolved around what the asset looked like in diabetic mice,

here, the presenter noted GUB-UCN2 improves glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and reduces A1c. Looking

forward, Gubra plans to initiate a phase 1/2a trial in 2H26 to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK, and preliminary