Evaluation: Body fat (DXA scanning) Lean mass Insulin sensitivity Energy expenditure What they found: The combination showed an additive effect on fat reduction vs monotherapy AOD-9604 partially protected lean mass during GLP-1-induced weight reduction Increased energy expenditure in combination (~3 % vs GLP-1 alone) No new safety signals Why it matters: It validates the concept of combination , the idea that AOD-9604 may not work on its own, but can add value in combination with incretin agonists
The drug has been around for just under two decades and continues to perform strongly for Merck along with sister drug Janumet (Januvia plus metformin)
Laboratory interference: Persistent unexplained elevation may reflect macro-B12 (immunoglobulin-bound B12) or other assay interferences
Yang Z, Sun Y, Ni Z, Yang C, Tong Y, Liu Y, Li H, Rao Y
A cross-over study vs placebo
This may change appetite, cravings, and fat distribution over time, particularly with long-term stress