New Obesity Drug Ribupatide Achieves 12% Weight Loss in Phase 2 Oral Trial
A once-daily pill and weekly injection show promising weight loss results, rivaling existing GLP-1 therapies in early clinical testing.
Summary
Ribupatide, a new dual GLP-1/GIP receptor drug being developed as both a daily pill and weekly injection, produced up to 12% body weight loss in a Phase 2 trial. Tested in 166 adults with obesity in China, the 25mg and 50mg oral doses both hit 12.1% mean weight loss at 26 weeks, compared to 2.3% for placebo. Nearly 60% of participants on the 25mg dose lost at least 10% of their body weight. Side effects were mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues, consistent with other GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide. An NDA has been filed in China, and global Phase 3 trials are planned for 2027, positioning ribupatide as a potential new entrant in the rapidly expanding obesity drug market.
Detailed Summary
Ribupatide is an experimental obesity medication that works by activating two gut hormone receptors — GLP-1 and GIP — the same dual mechanism used by tirzepatide (Mounjaro). What makes this drug notable is that it is being developed in two forms: a once-weekly injection and a once-daily oral pill, the latter being particularly significant given the convenience advantages over injectables.
In the key Phase 2 oral trial conducted in China, 166 adults with obesity took ribupatide or placebo daily for 26 weeks. The 25mg and 50mg doses both achieved 12.1% mean weight loss, compared to just 2.3% in the placebo group. Impressively, 59% of participants on the 25mg dose lost at least 10% of their body weight, and nearly 39% lost 15% or more — results that approach those seen with injectable GLP-1 therapies.
Safety data were described as favorable. Side effects were primarily mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, and no participants permanently stopped treatment due to GI issues. A separate Phase 1 injection study in 49 participants showed consistent tolerability across Asian and non-Asian populations, with dose-dependent weight reductions up to 5.5% after just 29 days.
For people interested in metabolic health and weight management, ribupatide represents a potentially accessible oral option that could deliver meaningful weight loss without injections. If Phase 3 results hold, it could expand treatment access for the many people who prefer oral medications.
Important caveats apply. This is Phase 2 data from a single population in China, and long-term safety and cardiovascular outcomes remain untested. Global Phase 3 trials are planned for early 2027, meaning regulatory approval in Western markets is likely several years away. Comparisons with semaglutide or tirzepatide await head-to-head trials.
Key Findings
- Oral ribupatide 25mg and 50mg achieved 12.1% mean weight loss at 26 weeks versus 2.3% placebo
- 59% of participants on 25mg dose lost at least 10% body weight; 39% lost 15% or more
- No permanent discontinuations due to side effects; GI events were mild to moderate
- Drug works in both oral pill and injectable forms, offering flexible delivery options
- Global Phase 3 trials planned for first half of 2027, with China NDA already submitted
Methodology
This is a news report summarizing clinical trial data presented at the 86th American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, a high-credibility medical conference. The source is Longevity.Technology, a specialist health media outlet. Evidence is based on company-presented Phase 2 and Phase 1 trial results, not yet peer-reviewed publications.
Study Limitations
Trial was conducted in a Chinese population only, limiting immediate generalizability to Western demographics. Data has not yet been peer-reviewed or published in a journal. Long-term safety, cardiovascular outcomes, and weight regain after stopping treatment are unknown at this stage.
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