Enicepatide (CT-388)
Definition: An investigational once-weekly dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist from Roche/Carmot being advanced in Phase 3 studies for obesity and overweight-related metabolic disease.
Overview
Enicepatide, also known as CT-388 or RO7795068, is a long-acting peptide-based incretin therapy originally developed by Carmot and now advanced by Roche. It is designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration and is being studied as a next-generation weight-management medicine for people with obesity or overweight with metabolic complications. Unlike single GLP-1 receptor agonists, enicepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP signaling, placing it in the same broad dual-incretin category as tirzepatide while using a distinct molecular design and clinical-development program.
Mechanism of action
Enicepatide is described as a biased dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. GLP-1 receptor activation can increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduce glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and enhance satiety. GIP receptor activation may complement those effects through insulinotropic activity, metabolic signaling, and appetite-related pathways. Genentech describes CT-388 as engineered for potent GLP-1 and GIP receptor activity with minimal beta-arrestin recruitment, a design intended to reduce receptor internalization and prolong pharmacologic activity.
Current research status
As of June 1, 2026, enicepatide is in Phase 3 development. Roche reported that Phase 2 CT388-103 data supported advancement into the Phase 3 ENITH program, including ENITH1 in adults with obesity or overweight without type 2 diabetes. ClinicalTrials.gov lists ENITH1 as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial of once-weekly enicepatide with an estimated enrollment of about 2,000 participants. CT388-104 is a Phase 2 study in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Potential benefits
- Substantial body-weight reduction in clinical obesity programs.
- Potential improvement in glycemic control through dual incretin signaling.
- Once-weekly dosing that may support adherence if efficacy and safety are confirmed.
- A dual-receptor mechanism that may broaden weight-management options beyond single GLP-1 therapy.
Safety and side effects
The safety profile remains investigational. Roche has described adverse events as broadly class-consistent, with gastrointestinal events such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and decreased appetite expected for incretin-based therapies. Available Phase 1 and Phase 2 summaries suggest tolerability has been manageable, but long-term safety, discontinuation rates, gallbladder/pancreatic risk signals, cardiovascular outcomes, and rare adverse events require larger Phase 3 datasets and regulatory review.
Quick facts
| Research sponsor | Roche / Carmot Therapeutics |
|---|---|
| Primary target | GLP-1 and GIP receptors |
| Development stage | Phase 3 |
| Typical study route | Once-weekly subcutaneous injection |
| Regulatory status | Investigational; not FDA-approved |
Related reading
Read the June 1, 2026 blog article about next-generation weight-loss peptides beyond GLP-1.
References
- Roche. ADA 2026 curtain-raiser: enicepatide and petrelintide next-generation obesity updates.
- Roche. CT-388 topline Phase II results and Phase III ENITH program update, January 27, 2026.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT07351045 ENITH1 Phase III study of enicepatide / RO7795068.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT06628362 Phase II CT-388-104 in overweight or obesity with type 2 diabetes.
- Genentech Medical Information. CT-388 / RG6640 pipeline and clinical-trial summary.
- Molecular Metabolism. CT-388 as a cAMP-biased dual GLP-1R/GIPR agonist and early clinical findings.
Educational note
Peptide Science 101 is for education only and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, prescribing guidance, or individualized medical advice. Investigational peptides should only be used within properly regulated research or clinical-trial settings.