CT-388

Early human Weight Loss & Metabolism 2 sources

CT-388 is a novel, once-weekly dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist currently in clinical development for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Early clinical research demonstrates its potential to induce significant weight loss and improve metabolic health by synergistically targeting two key incretin pathways.

01Dosing reference

Amount

Investigational dose range (e.g., titrated up to 12 mg)

Frequency

Once weekly

Cycle

Continuous weekly administration (under clinical investigation)

Reference figures, not a recommendationThese values reflect amounts described in the literature and vendor documentation this database indexes. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert them into syringe units.

02Mechanism of action

Dual Receptor Activation

CT-388 binds to and activates both the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) receptors.

Metabolic and Appetite Regulation

Activation of these receptors enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and signals satiety in the brain.

Synergistic Weight Loss

The combined action on both receptors leads to profound reductions in food intake and body weight, alongside improved glycemic control.

03Human evidence

A Phase 1b clinical trial demonstrated that participants receiving CT-388 achieved a placebo-adjusted mean weight loss of 18.8% over 24 weeks.

Study conducted in healthy adults with obesity; limited by small sample size and short duration typical of early-phase trials.

CT-388 was generally well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with other incretin-based therapies, primarily involving mild to moderate gastrointestinal events.

Observations from Phase 1 trials; long-term safety data is still pending.

04Preclinical evidence

In diet-induced obese animal models, CT-388 produced superior weight loss and metabolic improvements compared to selective GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Preclinical rodent and non-human primate models used to evaluate efficacy and pharmacokinetics.

Structural design of CT-388 showed optimized biased signaling, potentially reducing receptor desensitization and improving tolerability.

In vitro cellular assays evaluating receptor binding and downstream signaling pathways.

05What is known vs. unknown

Reasonably established

CT-388 is a dual agonist targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
It is designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration.
Early clinical data shows highly competitive weight loss efficacy, reaching nearly 19% in 24 weeks.
It was originally developed by Carmot Therapeutics, which was acquired by Roche.

Unknowns & limits

Long-term safety, cardiovascular outcomes, and maintenance of weight loss are not yet established.
Phase 3 clinical trials are required to fully understand its efficacy and safety profile in larger, diverse populations.
The exact advantages over existing dual agonists like tirzepatide remain to be proven in head-to-head trials.

06Safety & regulatory context

Regulatory statusCT-388 is currently an investigational compound and is not approved by the FDA or any other regulatory agency for clinical use. In early clinical trials, its safety profile has been consistent with the incretin class of drugs, with the most common adverse events being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term safety and potential contraindications are still being evaluated in ongoing clinical studies.

07Compared with Tirzepatide

CT-388 vs. Tirzepatide

Key difference

While both are once-weekly dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, CT-388 is engineered with a specific biased signaling profile intended to optimize the balance between efficacy and gastrointestinal tolerability.

When researchers discuss each

Tirzepatide is discussed as an FDA-approved therapy for type 2 diabetes and obesity, whereas CT-388 is discussed as a promising next-generation investigational candidate in the same class.

08Glossary

Incretin

Metabolic hormones that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels, primarily by increasing insulin release after eating.

Dual Agonist

A molecule that binds to and activates two different types of receptors in the body.

Biased Signaling

A property of certain drugs where they preferentially activate one specific cellular pathway over another when binding to a receptor, potentially reducing side effects.

09Knowledge check

Q1Which two receptors does CT-388 target?

Q2What is the intended frequency of administration for CT-388 based on its design?

Q3Which limitation of the Phase 1b weight-loss result is explicitly noted in the dossier and should temper interpretation of the finding?

Q4According to the dossier, what is a key engineered difference between CT-388 and the comparator tirzepatide?

Q5Which statement about CT-388's regulatory status and early safety observations is supported by the dossier?

10Sources

More in Weight Loss & Metabolism

See all

AOD-9604

Weight Loss & Metabolism

Human clinical

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (HGH) that includes amino acids 177-191. Research indicates it mimics the fat-burning effects of HGH by stimulating lipolysis and inhibiting lipogenesis, without the adverse effects on blood sugar or tissue growth typically associated with full-length HGH.

250-500 mcg/day

MOTS-c

Weight Loss & Metabolism

Early human

MOTS-c is a naturally occurring mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in regulating metabolic homeostasis and energy production. Research indicates it acts as an 'exercise mimetic' by activating AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity, and enhancing physical performance in animal models.

5-10 mg

GLP3-RT (Retatrutide)

Weight Loss & Metabolism

Human clinical

Retatrutide is an investigational triple hormone receptor agonist that targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Clinical trials have shown unprecedented weight loss efficacy, surpassing dual agonists, by combining appetite suppression with increased energy expenditure.

N/A - Investigational Drug

Research and educational use onlyNothing on this site is medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation for human use. Compounds documented here are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before making any health decision.