- A new weekly amylin drug shows about 10% weight loss in Phase 2
Petrelintide, a once-weekly amylin-based injection (a different hormone pathway from GLP-1), was tested in 485 adults for 42 weeks. Average weight loss was up to 10.2% when everyone assigned to the drug is counted (up to 10.7% in people while taking it), versus about 1.4% to 1.7% on placebo. Nausea was reported by about 20% versus 6% on placebo. Three serious events were judged drug-related: two gallstone cases and one pancreatitis case. It has not been compared directly with Wegovy or Zepbound, and it is moving into Phase 3.
What it means for patients: Interesting science, but it is not approved and is years from the clinic. Be wary of anyone selling it now as a “research” or compounded product.
Source: Garvey et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol, Sept 29, 2026 · Pharmacy Times, Oct 6, 2026 · Zealand Pharma ZUPREME-1 poster
- Switching from injections to the Wegovy pill: first real-world numbers
Novo Nordisk presented data on 194 people who switched from injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide to the Wegovy pill. On average they lost a further 4.1% of body weight over three months, and 40.7% lost at least 5%. The analysis has no comparison group, uses self-reported weights, and only counts people who stayed on the pill, so it cannot show that switching works as well as staying on injections. It was presented by the company and has not been published as a full paper.
What it means for patients: A pill can be a reasonable option for some people, but if you are doing well on an injection there is no evidence you need to change. Any switch should be planned and monitored with your physician.
Source: Novo Nordisk release, Sept 30, 2026 · Medical Daily
- Medicare open enrollment starts Oct 15: what to know about the $50 GLP-1 Bridge
Medicare’s GLP-1 Bridge lets eligible Part D beneficiaries get certain weight-loss GLP-1 drugs for a $50 copay. It began July 1, 2026 and CMS has now extended it through December 31, 2027, because the BALANCE Model will not start in Part D in 2027. Prior authorization is required, the copay does not count toward the Part D out-of-pocket cap, and low-income subsidy help does not apply. Nothing has been announced for 2028. Open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7.
What it means for patients: If you have Medicare, check your Part D enrollment before December 7 and ask whether you qualify. Do not assume coverage beyond 2027.
Source: CMS: Medicare GLP-1 Bridge · KFF on the BALANCE Model · Medicare.gov open enrollment
- Watch list: CagriSema still awaiting an FDA decision
Novo Nordisk filed in December 2025 and a decision is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. As of October 13 we found no approval. Retatrutide is not expected to be filed until Q1 2027 (Lilly’s stated plan, as of Oct 6) and cannot legally be prescribed or compounded.
What it means for patients: If anyone tells you either drug is available now, be skeptical. See our own CagriSema REDEFINE trials review.
Source: CagriSema status summary, July 16, 2026
Go deeper
Full articles on items 1 and 2 are in this week’s Research Brief. Our existing guides: Wegovy Pill · Our Medications · What happens after stopping Wegovy or Zepbound
How BeLite Can Help
BeLite Medical Center has provided physician-supervised weight management in Fairfax, Virginia since 1995. New-patient consultations are free. Call or text (703) 359-9200.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed physician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
BeLite can help patients translate emerging obesity-medicine evidence into an individualized plan that considers efficacy, tolerability, nutrition, muscle preservation, long-term maintenance, and access.BeLite Medical Center has provided physician-supervised medical weight management in Fairfax, Virginia since 1995. Our clinic offers in-person medical supervision — with the ability to adjust medications and monitor your progress in real time — that fully virtual services cannot match.Booking appointments is simple with our online scheduling portal, available 24/7. You can also call or text us at (703) 359-9200, or email belitemed@gmail.com. We offer free consultations for new patients — if you choose not to enroll, there is no charge. We serve patients across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., the DMV area, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Patients do not sign treatment contracts and can stop coming at any time
Medical Disclaimer
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not intended to substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Readers should not use this information to diagnose or treat a medical or health condition without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Any reliance on the information in this blog is at the readers own risk. Individual weight loss results vary based on personal health status and adherence to medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is created by accessing or reading this content.
Reviewed by Richard Rothman, MD, PhD — Medical Director, BeLite Medical Center.
About BeLite Medical Center
BeLite Medical Center in Northern, VA helps you reach your weight loss goals.
