A new drug to enhance weight loss and metabolic benefits for diabetes treatment
Official title: A GIP Companion Drug for Enhancing Metabolic Benefits of Long-Acting GLP-1
Funded at Velum, INC. · NIH-10626143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new version of a hormone called GIP that could help diabetes medications work better, making it easier for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar and lose weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Velum, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2018 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $478,280 |
| NIH project number | 5R42AG061909-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10626143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity and Type 2 Diabetes who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obesity or Type 2 Diabetes may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a modified version of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) to enhance the effects of existing diabetes medications. By making GIP resistant to degradation in the body, the researchers aim to improve its effectiveness in promoting weight loss and managing blood sugar levels. The project involves creating and testing various GIP derivatives to identify the most promising candidates for further clinical trials. Patients may benefit from a new treatment option that could improve their metabolic health and aid in weight management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a more effective treatment for obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, potentially leading to significant weight loss and improved metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing the effects of diabetes medications through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Velum, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Krishna — Velum, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Krishna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how GLP-1 drugs affect energy use in brittle diabetes
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-
GLP-1 receptor drugs and heart-brain health in diabetes and Alzheimer’s risk
A Duke-led study will explore how GLP-1 receptor medicines and exercise affect brain and heart health in models prone to diabetes and Alzheimer’s risk.
-
GLP-1 medicines to improve heart, kidney, and metabolic health for people with HIV and type 2 diabetes
A real-world study will look at how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect heart and kidney health and lifetime costs for people living with HIV and type 2 diabetes.
-
Lifestyle plan to protect muscle and heart health for adults with obesity using GLP-1 medications
A real-world trial tests a combined nutrition and resistance-training program versus standard care for adults starting GLP-1 weight loss drugs to preserve lean mass and cardiovascular health.
-
Pre-pregnancy GLP-1 Medication Use and Stopping It: Effects on Blood Sugar and Pregnancy Outcomes
This project looks at how using GLP-1–based weight loss medicine before pregnancy and stopping it before trying to conceive affects blood sugar and pregnancy health.
-
Ways to keep weight off after stopping GLP-1 weight-loss meds
This project tests simple strategies to help adults who have obesity keep weight off after stopping high-dose GLP-1 medicines.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.