CT-388, a once-weekly signal-biased dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, achieved greater weight loss than unbiased agonism in preclinical models, with early human data supporting translation to clinical settings.
Biased > unbiased agonismSignal-biased dual agonism produced greater weight loss than traditional approaches in preclinical models
What the researchers found
Signal-biased dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonism with CT-388 produced superior weight loss compared to unbiased agonism in preclinical models, with supportive early clinical data in obesity.
Why it matters
If biased signaling truly delivers better weight loss outcomes, CT-388 could outperform current dual-agonist drugs like tirzepatide, raising the bar for obesity pharmacotherapy.
How the study worked
Combined preclinical (cell-based assays and animal models) and early clinical study in participants with obesity evaluating CT-388 efficacy.
What this study cannot tell us
Very early clinical data (likely phase 1); preclinical advantages don't always translate to humans; long-term safety profile unknown.
How to read the evidence
Combined preclinical and early clinical data — promising but very preliminary for human efficacy conclusions.
When this study was published
Published in 2026, at the forefront of biased agonism drug development for obesity.
The bigger picture
The concept of biased agonism — activating one signaling pathway over others — could revolutionize how peptide drugs are designed, creating more effective medicines with fewer side effects across many disease areas.
Questions still open
- Will CT-388's signal bias advantage hold up in larger phase 2/3 trials?
- Does biased agonism reduce GI side effects compared to unbiased dual agonists?
Common questions
What is signal-biased agonism?
How does CT-388 compare to tirzepatide?
Read the original research
Effects of CT-388, a once-weekly signaling-biased dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, on weight loss and glycemic control in preclinical models and participants with obesity.
Molecular metabolism, 103, 102291
Citation
Chakravarthy, Manu V; Rodriguez, Ruben; Hergarden, Anne; Elliott, Michael A; Frias, Juan P; Argüelles-Tello, Federico A; Tenorio, Edgar; Rankin, Jonathan E; Wu, Jingtao; Krishnan, Shyam; Erlanson, Daniel A; Fucini, Raymond V; Bone, Derek; Iwig, Jeffrey S; Acosta, Luis; Untereiner, Ashley; Pant, Asmita; Patton, Avalon; Sanchez-Sanchez, Leyla L; Luo, Jian; Steinberg, Alexandra; Bialonczyk, Damian; Hansen, Stig K. (2026). Effects of CT-388, a once-weekly signaling-biased dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, on weight loss and glycemic control in preclinical models and participants with obesity.. Molecular metabolism, 103, 102291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2025.102291