CT-868, a novel signal-biased dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, showed glycemic efficacy in a 26-week phase 2 trial in adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity.
26-week phase 2 RCTTesting a novel cAMP-biased dual GLP-1/GIP agonist in type 2 diabetes with BMI ≥27
What the researchers found
CT-868 demonstrated glycemic efficacy as a signal-biased dual GLP-1/GIP agonist in type 2 diabetes, with both dose levels showing HbA1c improvements over 26 weeks.
Why it matters
CT-868 represents a new approach to dual-incretin therapy with biased signaling that could offer different efficacy/tolerability profiles compared to tirzepatide, potentially expanding treatment options for type 2 diabetes.
How the study worked
Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; 26 weeks; adults with T2D and BMI ≥27; randomized 1:2:1 to CT-868 1.75 mg, 4.0 mg, or placebo.
What this study cannot tell us
COVID-19 supply issues affected dosing in some participants; phase 2 trial with likely moderate sample size; long-term safety and efficacy beyond 26 weeks unknown.
How to read the evidence
Phase 2 randomized controlled trial — strong design but interim stage; phase 3 trials needed for definitive efficacy and safety data.
When this study was published
Published in 2026, representing the latest development in signal-biased dual-incretin agonist therapy.
The bigger picture
The dual GLP-1/GIP agonist class (led by tirzepatide) has transformed diabetes treatment. CT-868's unique signal bias could reduce side effects while maintaining efficacy, driving innovation in an already revolutionary drug class.
Questions still open
- How does CT-868's signal-biased mechanism translate to differences in side effects compared to tirzepatide?
- Will the cAMP-biased signaling approach prove advantageous for weight loss as well as glycemic control?
Common questions
What makes CT-868 different from tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?
Is CT-868 available for patients yet?
Read the original research
Efficacy and safety of CT-868, a novel, fully biased, dual glucagon-like peptide-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist, in type 2 diabetes: A double-blind, randomized placebo controlled phase 2 trial.
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 28(3), 1673-1682
Citation
Chakravarthy, Manu V; Elliott, Michael A; Acosta, Luis; Sonnenberg, Gabriele E; Bialonczyk, Damian; Wu, Jingtao; Argüelles-Tello, Federico A; Garcia-Reza, Raymundo; González-González, José Gerardo; Hansen, Stig K; Frias, Juan P. (2026). Efficacy and safety of CT-868, a novel, fully biased, dual glucagon-like peptide-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist, in type 2 diabetes: A double-blind, randomized placebo controlled phase 2 trial.. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 28(3), 1673-1682. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.70006