Delve into the intriguing concepts of microdosing GLP-1 receptor agonists and the latest results from a new weight loss drug. Discover the balance between ethical medication access and corporate practices in healthcare. Hear about the eccentric quest for longevity and the disparities in medication availability. Explore the implications of microdosing terzepatide on inflammation versus weight loss. Unpack the ethical concerns surrounding cosmetic weight loss medications and the importance of responsible pharmaceutical practices.
Microdosing GLP-1 receptor agonists could minimize side effects while still providing therapeutic benefits, showcasing the need for personalized treatment approaches.
The promising results from the CagriSema trials highlight the movement towards combination therapies in obesity treatment, potentially leading to more effective weight loss outcomes.
Deep dives
Recent Developments in Obesity Medications
Novo Nordisk faced a significant drop in stock prices due to unmet expectations regarding its weight loss medication, which fell short of a 25% total body weight loss target in trials. Semaglutide and terzepatide are currently seeing weight loss results around 15% and 21%, respectively, which are still considerable compared to earlier obesity medications. The podcast discusses how past generations of obesity treatments, like loraglutide, would have been celebrated for achieving similar results. These developments provide insight into the competitive landscape of obesity drugs and highlight the advancements made in recent years.
Microdosing and Its Implications
The podcast explores the concept of microdosing, an approach popularized in recent years, which entails administering lower doses of medication to potentially reduce side effects while still achieving therapeutic benefits. It highlights the complexities involved in determining appropriate dosing through rigorous clinical trials and emphasizes the variability in patient responses to medication. An example is presented where a patient with type 1 diabetes experienced significant weight loss and reduced insulin needs while on a 0.5 mg dose of semaglutide, illustrating the personalized approach to treatment. However, there are concerns about the growing trend of compounded microdoses being marketed without adequate research to support their efficacy.
The Role of Clinical Trials in Drug Approval
The podcast emphasizes the extensive research and regulatory oversight involved in the development of pharmaceutical drugs, particularly in determining the appropriate dosages that maximize benefits while minimizing risks. It explains how drugs undergo several phases of clinical trials, including phase one trials that assess pharmacokinetics and phase two trials aimed at identifying effective dosages. This rigorous process is crucial because many drugs do not make it to the market due to unfavorable risk-benefit profiles identified in these stages. The need for further clinical research on supplements, paralleling the extensive drug approval processes, is also discussed.
Future of Combination Therapies in Obesity Treatment
A new combination drug, Cagrasema, which contains both semaglutide and cagrilutide, is on the horizon and has shown promising results in early trials, leading to potentially significant weight loss benefits. In phase three trials, participants on Cagrasema achieved a 23% reduction in weight, outperforming those on individual components or placebo. This development reflects a broader trend toward combination therapy in treating obesity, aiming for more efficient and effective outcomes. The discussion also touches upon the potential need for tailored treatments that consider individual patient responses and personalize dosage regimens based on their unique needs.
Drs. Karl and Spencer discuss the concept of "microdosing" GLP-1 receptor agonists along with talk about the new top line results from REDEFINE which studied the new drug CagriSema.
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