Top in endocrinology: Novel GLP-1 lowers weight; osteoporosis detection with CT plus AI

Patients with overweight or obesity who used maridebart cafraglutide experienced significant weight loss at 1 year, according to a presentation at World Congress on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.

Researchers presented results from a phase 2 study of maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide, Amgen) — an investigational injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist/GIP receptor antagonist — that showed a body weight reduction of approximately 20% without a weight loss plateau. Maridebart cafraglutide also improved other cardiometabolic parameters such as systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

The second part of study, which will evaluate patients who lost at least 15% of their body weight, is currently underway.

It was the top story in endocrinology last week.

In another top story, osteoporosis is highly prevalent among individuals undergoing lung cancer treatment regardless of race, ethnicity and income. CT scans evaluated with an AI-based tool can help to detect osteoporosis and body composition among these patients without subjecting them to additional radiation or testing.

Read these and more top stories in endocrinology below:

Novel drug confers weight loss of up to 20% at 1 year in phase 2 study

Maridebart cafraglutide reduced body weight by up to approximately 20% at 1 year in patients with overweight or obesity without a weight loss plateau, according to a presentation at the World Congress on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Read more.

Osteoporosis prevalence high for all races, incomes undergoing lung cancer screening

Osteoporosis is highly prevalent among patients undergoing lung cancer screening, regardless of race, ethnicity and income, but CT with AI detects osteoporosis and body composition without additional testing or radiation, researchers reported. Read more.

Younger age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis tied to higher dementia risk

Researchers reported a significant association between younger age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis and elevated dementia risk, especially for individuals with obesity, according to results published in PLOS One. Read more.

The year in obesity: New data on semaglutide and tirzepatide, sarcopenic obesity and more

New findings on semaglutide and tirzepatide published in 2024 revealed that the medications may have benefits beyond lowering glucose levels and body weight. Read more.

Sugary drinks linked to millions of new diabetes, cardiovascular disease cases worldwide

A significant proportion of new cases of CVD and diabetes globally can be attributed to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, according to a study published in Nature Medicine. Read more.