Ultra-long-acting injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist shows promise for supporting weight management in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes

New data highlight the potential benefits of using berobenatide, an investigational injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) across patient populations—including in individuals with excess weight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes—and dosage levels, ranging from weekly to monthly. The data were presented during symposium sessions at the 2026 Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association^® (ADA) in New Orleans.

Obesity and diabetes increase the risk of serious health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. As treatment options evolve, many may look toward next-generation dosing strategies designed to improve efficacy, simplify treatment regimens, and reduce the potential burden of injection load due to longer half-life and long-term disease management. Advances and variations present the potential to support weight management, metabolic health, adherence, and convenience for individuals. Researchers evaluated berobenatide, an investigational ultra-long-acting GLP-1 RA designed to help regulate appetite and blood glucose, with weekly or monthly dosing options.

Data Highlights the Promise of Monthly Injection as an Effective Obesity Treatment for Weight Loss

VESPER-3 is a 2b trial evaluating whether berobenatide can successfully transition from once-weekly to once-monthly dosing while still maintaining weight loss and tolerability. Like VESPER-1, it enrolled adults with overweight or obesity without type 2 diabetes.

The results of the VESPER-3 trial suggest berobenatide can be dosed monthly, with effective weight loss and favorable tolerability in individuals living with overweight or obesity. After 28 weeks of treatment, berobenatide demonstrated placebo-adjusted weight loss of up to 12.3% with the 4.8 mg monthly dose. The safety and tolerability was consistent with the GLP-1 RA class.

“Berobenatide is a potentially important new option for people living with overweight or obesity, especially because a once-monthly dosing could offer a more manageable alternative to today’s more frequent injections,” said John Buse, MD, PhD, lead author of the study. “For patients, this less frequent dosing may help ease the burden of ongoing treatment and support better long-term adherence in chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.”

The final endpoint of the VESPER-3 study will be conducted at 64 weeks, which will deliver long-term data. Authors also note that the three phase 2b studies informed the design and dosing regimens for future VESPER studies, including VESPER-4 phase 3 and VESPER-6 phase 3 studies.

Trials Highlight Early Evidence of Injection for Combined Weight Loss and Blood Glucose Management Benefits

Additionally, two additional studies presented demonstrating positive results for berobenatide. The VESPER-1 and 2 trials are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trials that examine a once-weekly berobenatide injection in participants with overweight or obesity over 28 weeks.

Study results from the VESPER-1 trial suggest berobenatide provides effective weight loss and favorable tolerability with weekly dosing for patients with obesity. The VESPER-1 OLE (open-label extension) extended those findings to higher doses and different dosing schedules.

VESPER-2 trial results reflect those of early clinical trials of berobenatide, demonstrating an encouraging risk/benefit profile, and extending those findings to individuals who are living with overweight or obesity in addition to type 2 diabetes.

This article was originally published on American Diabetes Association Press Releases.