Neurocrine Biosciences has initiated a Phase I clinical study to evaluate NBIP-'1968, an investigational triple agonist targeting the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon receptors, as a potential treatment for obesity.

The trial will assess the tolerability and safety of single ascending doses of NBIP-'1968 in adult participants who are overweight or obese, with the aim of determining the safety profile of the compound in these populations.

NBIP-'1968 is a long-acting investigational drug, intended for once-weekly subcutaneous injection.

The therapy was developed to activate three metabolic pathways, GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, potentially influencing appetite control, energy regulation, and glycaemic balance.

Neurocrine stated that balanced glucagon receptor activity has been incorporated into the design to support tolerability while seeking to optimise metabolic effects.

Neurocrine Biosciences chief medical officer Sanjay Keswani said: “Obesity is a complex chronic disease driven by multiple biological pathways, underscoring the need for additional treatment options.

“NBIP-'1968 is designed to engage three complementary metabolic mechanisms, reflecting our commitment to exploring multiple scientific approaches to obesity.”

The therapy emerged from Neurocrine’s internal research efforts and is part of a wider obesity development programme at the company.

This programme also includes NBIP-'2118, a corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 receptor agonist, which is also in Phase I trials.

NBIP-'1968 is being developed for use in fixed-dose combination with NBIP-'2118, with further research underway to evaluate additional mechanisms and prolonged dosing options.

Obesity is associated with a range of serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

Earlier this year, Neurocrine Biosciences started a Phase II clinical trial of NBI-1065890, a selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, in adults with tardive dyskinesia.