LY3437943, a novel triple glucagon, GIP, and GLP-1 receptor agonist for glycemic control and weight loss: From discovery to clinical proof of concept

Cell Metab. 2022 Sep 6;34(9):1234-1247.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.07.013. Epub 2022 Aug 18.

Abstract

With an increasing prevalence of obesity, there is a need for new therapies to improve body weight management and metabolic health. Multireceptor agonists in development may provide approaches to fulfill this unmet medical need. LY3437943 is a novel triple agonist peptide at the glucagon receptor (GCGR), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). In vitro, LY3437943 shows balanced GCGR and GLP-1R activity but more GIPR activity. In obese mice, administration of LY3437943 decreased body weight and improved glycemic control. Body weight loss was augmented by the addition of GCGR-mediated increases in energy expenditure to GIPR- and GLP-1R-driven calorie intake reduction. In a phase 1 single ascending dose study, LY3437943 showed a safety and tolerability profile similar to other incretins. Its pharmacokinetic profile supported once-weekly dosing, and a reduction in body weight persisted up to day 43 after a single dose. These findings warrant further clinical assessment of LY3437943.

Keywords: GIP; GLP-1; energy expenditure; glucagon; glucose control; metabolomics; obesity; triple agonist.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide / metabolism
  • Glucagon* / metabolism
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor / metabolism
  • Glycemic Control
  • Mice
  • Mice, Obese
  • Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone* / metabolism
  • Receptors, Glucagon / metabolism
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
  • Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone
  • Receptors, Glucagon
  • Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide
  • Glucagon