The new treatment targets gut hormone GLP-1 but also mimics amylin, a hormone released by the pancreas that suppresses hunger.

Some outcomes, like reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and increased chance of nausea, were expected. But others took researchers by surprise.

GLP-1 medications linked to a lower risk of dementia and addiction but higher risk of kidney, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal issues. Demand for weight-loss medications, including popular brands like Ozempic and Wegovy,

Federal officials are targeting the blockbuster drugs as part of their ongoing initiative to lower drug costs.

One of Novo Nordisk's next-generation obesity shots to follow up on the success of Wegovy helped patients lose 22% of their weight in 36 weeks, according to early-stage trial results on Friday, boosting the drugmaker's shares.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Novo Nordisk's U.S.-listed shares are surging 9% Friday morning after the Danish drugmaker reported early stage results for its amycretin weight-loss drug.The maker of Ozempic and Wegovy said that its Phase 1b/2a trial showed people achieved weight loss from a mean baseline body weight of 92.

Novo Nordisk shares rose sharply after the Danish pharmaceutical giant said an experimental weight-loss shot helped patients lose 22% of their bodyweight in a clinical trial.

Novo Nordisk on Friday announced early-stage trial results for its amycretin obesity drug for subcutaneous injection, saying people with obesity or overweight treated with the drug achieved a 22% weight loss after 36 weeks.