Biotechnology company Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG) (OTCQX: RHHBY), on Tuesday reported positive topline Phase II results for enicepatide, an investigational once-weekly dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, in adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.

At the highest 24 mg dose, patients achieved a mean HbA1c reduction of 2.65% at 48 weeks from a baseline of 8.1%, while those with baseline HbA1c above 8.5% achieved a 4.13% reduction.

By week 48, 90% of patients receiving 24 mg reached an HbA1c of 6.5% or lower, while 62% achieved normoglycaemia below 5.7%.

The 24 mg dose also produced mean weight loss of 15.5% at 48 weeks without a demonstrable plateau, and the trial met both primary endpoints with dose-dependent reductions in blood glucose and body weight.

Enicepatide's safety and tolerability profile was consistent with established incretin therapies, with predominantly mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal adverse events and treatment discontinuation due to adverse events of 2.0% in enicepatide arms versus 0% for placebo.

Genentech is advancing enicepatide through two Phase III chronic weight-management studies, ENITH-1 and ENITH-2, and plans to initiate Phase III glycaemic-control and cardiovascular outcomes programmes in the first half of 2027.