ADA 2025 Recap: 7 Trials to Know

The 2025 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions held June 20–24 in Chicago spotlighted an expanding vision for diabetes and metabolic care that stretches beyond traditional glucose control. This year’s research emphasized regenerative approaches, hormonal targeting, and alternative insulin delivery—all pushing the field toward more individualized, physiology-informed interventions.

Among the highlights were pivotal data from trials evaluating stem cell-derived therapies for type 1 diabetes, cortisol-modulating strategies for hard-to-treat type 2 diabetes, and a novel once-weekly insulin alternative that matches daily injections in efficacy. Studies also examined the clinical potential of preserving lean mass during weight loss, signaling a growing emphasis on metabolic quality—not just quantity—of treatment outcomes.

Check out our study recaps below and use the related content links for expert perspectives direct from the conference floor!

7 Trials to Know From ADA 2025

1. Zimislecel Enables Insulin Independence in 10 Participants with Type 1 Diabetes
The Phase 1/2 trial evaluated stem cell-derived islet therapy zimislecel (VX-880) in 12 participants with type 1 diabetes. At one year, 10 of 12 participants who received the full dose achieved insulin independence. Participants also maintained HbA1c <7% and spent more than 70% of time in the target glucose range without experiencing severe hypoglycemia.

2. ACHIEVE-1: Oral GLP-1 Agonist Orforglipron Shows Strong HbA1c, Weight Reductions
In Lilly’s ACHIEVE‑1 Phase 3 trial of oral orforglipron, participants achieved A1c reductions of 1.24–1.48% across doses and weight loss ranging from 4.5% to 7.6% by week 40, significantly outperforming placebo. Moreover, >65% of those on the highest dose reached A1c ≤ 6.5%, with mean A1c falling into the non-diabetic range (6.5%–6.7%). The regimen was well‑tolerated, with mild-to-moderate GI side effects and no severe hypoglycemia or liver safety concerns.

3. BELIEVE: Bimagrumab + Semaglutide Combo Yields Substantial Fat-Mass Weight Loss, Preserves Lean Mass
The Phase 2 BELIEVE trial randomized 316 participants to receive bimagrumab plus semaglutide or semaglutide alone for 48 weeks. Participants receiving the combination lost 20.6% fat mass and maintained lean mass (+0.1%), while the semaglutide-alone group lost 14.4% fat mass and 3.0% lean mass. A higher proportion of participants receiving the combination achieved ≥15% weight loss (71% vs 53%).

4. Once-Monthly Obesity Drug, MariTide, Achieves Weight Loss Up to 16% at 1 Year
Amgen’s Phase 2 study presented at ADA 2025 showed that monthly MariTide led to 12%–16% average weight loss in adults with obesity and 8.4%–12% in those with T2D over 52 weeks. Impressively, participants continued to lose weight throughout the study with no plateau observed, suggesting potential for further reduction. The drug also produced notable improvements in cardiometabolic markers, including reductions in HbA1c, blood pressure, and lipids, with a tolerable GI side‑effect profile; most AEs were mild to moderate.

5. CATALYST Trial: Mifepristone Improves Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes with Hypercortisolism
Part 2 of the randomized, double-blind CATALYST trial included 170 patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercortisolism. At 24 weeks, mean HbA1c reduction was 0.6% in the mifepristone group compared to 0.1% in the placebo group (P = .004). A greater proportion of patients receiving mifepristone achieved a ≥0.5% HbA1c reduction (60.2% vs 40.5%; P = .008).

6. QWINT-1: Weekly Insulin Efsitora Matches Daily Basal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes
The QWINT-1 trial randomized 795 insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes to receive once-weekly insulin efsitora or once-daily insulin glargine. At week 52, adjusted mean HbA1c change from baseline was −1.31% with efsitora and −1.27% with glargine. Fasting serum glucose and time in range were also similar between groups.

7. ADA 2025: CagriSema Demonstrates Dual Benefit in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Data from the REDEFINE program highlighted that combined CagriSema therapy resulted in mean weight loss of 20.4% over 68 weeks in non-T2D adults (REDEFINE‑1) and 15.7% in those with T2D (REDEFINE‑2), significantly exceeding outcomes seen with either component alone or placebo. The combination also achieved improvements in glycemic control and metabolic biomarkers, while maintaining a safety profile consistent with GLP‑1 and amylin therapies.

Related Content: Diabetes Dialogue: REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2, with Timothy Garvey, MD, and Melanie Davies, MD