Diabetes Dialogue: GLP-1 RA News & Updates in March 2026

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives!

In this episode, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, break down a trio of significant updates in the incretin therapy landscape, including a pair of topline data announcements and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the highest dose of semaglutide to date.

Retatrutide Passes Test in Phase 3 ASCEND-T2D-1

On March 19, 2026, Eli Lilly and Company announced positive phase 3 results from the TRANSCEND-T2D-1 trial evaluating retatrutide for adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with diet and exercise. Based on 40-week data, retatrutide achieved up to a 2.0% reduction in A1C and up to 16.8% weight loss compared with placebo, while also improving cardiovascular risk markers including lipids and systolic blood pressure. The safety profile was consistent with incretin-based therapies, with gastrointestinal adverse events most commonly reported during dose escalation.

FDA Approves Semaglutide 7.2 mg (Wegovy HD)

On March 19, 2026, Novo Nordisk announced the FDA approved semaglutide 7.2 mg (Wegovy HD) injection for weight management in adults with obesity who require additional weight reduction after tolerating the 2.4 mg dose. Based on results from the phase 3b STEP UP trial, once-weekly semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved approximately 21% mean weight loss at 72 weeks, demonstrating greater reductions than the 2.4 mg dose and placebo. The safety profile was consistent with prior semaglutide data, with gastrointestinal events and dysesthesia among the most commonly reported adverse events.

ACCESS: Anelglipron Phase 2 Topline in Obesity

On March 16, 2026, Structure Therapeutics announced positive phase 2 ACCESS program results for aleniglipron, an investigational oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Based on the ACCESS II and OLE studies, aleniglipron achieved up to 16.3% placebo-adjusted weight loss at 44 weeks with continued reductions through 56 weeks and no evidence of plateau, alongside a tolerability profile consistent with the GLP-1 class. The therapy demonstrated low rates of adverse event–related discontinuation and is expected to advance into phase 3 development in the second half of 2026.

Editor’s Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others.

References:

1. Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly's triple agonist, retatrutide, demonstrated significant reductions in A1C and weight in first Phase 3 trial for treatment of type 2 diabetes. March 19, 2026. Accessed March 22, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lillys-triple-agonist-retatrutide-demonstrated-significant-reductions-in-a1c-and-weight-in-first-phase-3-trial-for-treatment-of-type-2-diabetes-302718589.html

2. Novo Nordisk. FDA approves Novo Nordisk's new Wegovy® HD injection, delivering the highest weight loss to date for a Wegovy® injection, adding to its already expansive clinical profile. March 19, 2026. Accessed March 22, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-approves-novo-nordisks-new-wegovy-hd-injection-delivering-the-highest-weight-loss-to-date-for-a-wegovy-injection-adding-to-its-already-expansive-clinical-profile-302718982.html

3. Structure Therapeutics. Structure Therapeutics Reports Positive Topline Data from Phase 2 ACCESS II Trial with Once-Daily Oral Small Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, Aleniglipron. March 16, 2026. Accessed March 22, 2026. https://ir.structuretx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/structure-therapeutics-reports-positive-topline-data-phase-2