A new clinical trial has uncovered the breakthrough promise of a new weight loss medication, MariTide, that can be taken only once monthly. Amgen developed the investigational drug, and it has demonstrated remarkable weight loss outcomes up to 20% in individuals with obesity. The Phase 2 trial results, which were released in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting 2025, may be a turning point in the treatment of obesity and Type 2 diabetes worldwide.

MariTide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a type of drug whose behavior is well-known to reduce weight and control Type 2 diabetes. It differentiates from current competitors like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound, because it has a distinct molecular structure. MariTide contains a monoclonal antibody that means the drug can remain in the body longer. This capability makes the drug possible to give as a once-monthly injection, a major improvement over its weekly-injected counterparts.

Amgen's Phase 2 clinical trial consisted of almost 600 adults, divided into two groups: one with obesity alone and the other with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Volunteers were assigned to take one of three dose levels of MariTide or a dummy shot. They took monthly injections for 52 weeks, and some in the obesity group started with a low dose that was increased incrementally.

The findings from the Phase 2 clinical trial of MariTide were nothing short of remarkable. Participants who had obesity but did not have diabetes experienced an average weight loss of up to 20% of their body weight after 52 weeks of treatment. Meanwhile, those who were managing both obesity and Type 2 diabetes saw an average weight loss of up to 17%. In sharp contrast, patients in the placebo groups showed only slight decreases in body weight, 2.6% for the group with obesity alone and only 1.4% for the group with obesity and diabetes. These findings highlight the great potential of MariTide as a very effective, once-a-month weight loss treatment.

These findings place MariTide on par with Wegovy and Zepbound in weight loss effects. Although Wegovy studies recorded a 15% decrease after 68 weeks and Zepbound delivered a 22.5% decrease after 72 weeks, MariTide's monthly regimen and similar effectiveness make it a strong contender.

Health Benefits of Using MariTide

MariTide is not only gaining recognition for its effectiveness at weight loss—it's also emerging as a full-range cardiometabolic therapy. Based on trial results, patients on MariTide experienced a dramatic decrease in A1c values, a key measure of long-term blood glucose control. For patients with diabetes, the medication reduced A1c by as much as 2.2 percentage points, outpacing expected decreases of 1.5 to 2.0 points with established GLP-1 therapies such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. But the advantages didn't end there. The research also observed significant reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and markers of inflammation, pointing to the potential of MariTide beyond the scale. These results indicate that the drug may provide an all-around solution to obesity as well as other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, making it an attractive option in the changing scenario of metabolic health treatments.

How MariTide Works?

Similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists, MariTide has a similar action to glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that controls blood glucose and hunger. It increases the release of insulin, decreases the release of glucagon, and retards gastric emptying. MariTide differs from other drugs in that it contains a monoclonal antibody that keeps the drug in the body longer. Monthly dosing is made possible by this advance, and treatment compliance may be enhanced by less frequent injections.

Side Effects of 'MariTide' That People Need to Know

Similar to other GLP-1 drugs, side effects in the gastrointestinal tract were most frequently reported during the trial. These consisted of:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort

The side effect profile was comparable to other drugs in the same class according to the research team and largely tolerable overall. Large-scale Phase 3 trials will be important to best evaluate long-term safety and infrequent adverse events, though.

MariTide vs Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Others

If approved, MariTide would represent Amgen's foray into a weight loss market led by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Wegovy and Mounjaro have experienced explosive growth as a result of their robust efficacy results. Yet, MariTide's monthly dosing regimen and dual utility in diabetes care and weight loss may resonate with a vast patient population.

The comparisons between MariTide and existing GLP-1 drugs have not yet been conducted. Still, the early data suggests that Amgen’s candidate could stand toe-to-toe with the industry giants.

What’s Next for MariTide?

Amgen said it plans a Phase 3 clinical trial to further study MariTide for 72 weeks. If all goes well, the results of this research may lead to FDA approval and future distribution worldwide. Most analysts expect it will be at least a couple of years before MariTide is widely available, though.

With rates of obesity on the rise globally and related health issues costing billions each year, effective, affordable, and sustainable weight-loss solutions have never been more vital. MariTide's encouraging results provide a timely new alternative to an expanding stockpile of obesity-fighting weapons.

New Zealand has stepped up surveillance after the first detection of a dengue and Zika-carrying mosquito larvae in the country.

The larval species was confirmed as 'Aedes aegypti' — known to carry diseases including dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya, across the globe.

As New Zealand does not normally have the mosquito species, the larvae detected were counted as "exotic".

The mosquito species did not cause any outbreak, but were spotted during a routine surveillance program in Auckland.

"The National Public Health Service has commenced a heightened surveillance and interception programme following mosquito larvae being collected from a routine surveillance trap at Queens Wharf, Auckland, on Monday 30 March," Health New Zealand said in a statement.

Health New Zealand reported that exotic species were occasionally found at ports and airports.

Not A Public Threat Yet

The health body noted that the larvae were not considered a public health or biosecurity threat yet because there was no indication they had become established.

But the agency aimed to continue "intensive monitoring for at least three weeks".

"The monitoring would take place within a 400m radius of the site where the larvae were identified. Health Protection Officers would place mosquito traps in the survey area," the statement said.

"These have been hidden away from plain sight so they are not disturbed, for example, in old tyres, bushes, or pools of water. We ask members of the public to avoid touching or disturbing these traps if they find them, as it may disrupt our monitoring and trapping efforts," medical officer of health Dr David Sinclair said.

Sinclair said New Zealanders were most at risk from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes when travelling overseas, including to Pacific Island countries and territories where dengue fever was known to be present.

Dengue Surging In 17 Countries

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a travel alert of dengue outbreaks across 17 countries.

The CDC alert issued on March 23 identified 17 countries reporting an increased number of cases of dengue. These include: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba, Guyana, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, New Caledonia, Pakistan, Samoa, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and the United States territories of American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, where local transmission is already common.

Also read: Long-term Exposure To Air Pollution Increases Fatality Rates In Dengue: Study

What Is Dengue?

Dengue is a disease caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. It is transmitted through infected mosquitoes, primarily the species Aedes aegypti.

The breakbone fever is caused by an infection with any of four different dengue viruses. These include:

• Dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1 or DEN-1)

• Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2 or DEN-2)

• Dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3 or DEN-3)

• Dengue virus type 4 (DENV-4 or DEN-4)

Also read: New dengue vaccine over 80% effective, prevents severe disease for up to 5 years

Common Symptoms of dengue include:

• Sudden onset of high-grade fever.

• Intense headache

• Severe muscle, joint, or bone pain.

• Skin Rash that often appears 2–5 days after the fever starts

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Minor bleeding

• Fatigue.

The COVID Cicada variant, currently circulating in 23 countries, is likely to affect children more than the previous variants.

Children have largely escaped severe illness from the SARS-COV-2 virus.

However, the new Cicada variant with around 75 genetic changes in its spike protein is likely to disproportionately affect children, as per an expert, who noted its presence in the UK.

“Some people have done analysis on this, suggesting it may be more prevalent among young children. Children get infections all the time, but this might be something to do with the fact that they have never been exposed to Covid vaccines," Prof Ravindra Gupta, of Cambridge University, who advised the UK government during the pandemic, was quoted as saying to The Mirror.

“So this is something we’re looking at in the lab to try and work out why. The problem with this is that it is an infection that spreads fast. Eventually, it ends up in someone vulnerable," he added.

Key Symptoms

Symptoms seem to be similar to those of other recent variants and include

• sore throat,
• cough,
• congestion,
• fatigue,
• headache
• fever.

Also read: Cicada Variant: Will The Current COVID Vaccine Provide Protection?

What Do The 75 Genetic Changes Mean?

Cicada, a descendant of the Omicron variant that emerged in 2021, was first detected in South Africa in 2024. However, it disappeared soon after, only to emerge early this year.

Prof Gupta told the publication that “the Cicada variant developed the 75 mutations to escape immunity, and it evolved by incubating a single patient for over a year”.

"This 'patient zero' would have been unable to clear the virus due to a compromised immune system," due to HIV or anti-cancer drugs.

Further, he explained that due to 75 mutations to the spike protein, the body’s antibodies will take a longer time to fight the Cicada variant.

However, there is no evidence yet that it is likely to cause more severe disease.

Will The Cicada Variant Cause Severe Illness?

The Cicada variant is particularly concerning as it provides no immune protection to people with previous infection or even vaccination.

Yet, the World Health Organization and health experts advise that existing COVID vaccinations can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

"It would appear that all the protections we have from our experience with the virus and with vaccines probably offer more limited—not zero—but more limited protection against this strain," Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was quoted as saying by Time.

Also read: COVID Variant BA.3.2 Spreads To 23 Countries: Is The Variant Under Monitoring A Cause Of Worry?

How To Safeguard

Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, a doctor and healthcare strategy executive, writing in Forbes, stressed the need to follow COVID practices such as masks and hand hygiene.

"Healthcare professionals recommend taking general precautions, similar to those used to prevent most viral transmission: get vaccinations when appropriate, wear masks in crowded areas or indoors where there is a high risk of transmission," he said.

He also urged “avoid individuals who have known illness or infections, wash hands frequently, and continue to stay apprised of local community guidelines and the infection spread”.

GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools that can improve health, but it comes with risks and caveats. While these are medical therapies, they are being misused as cosmetic products by cosmetologists, physiotherapists, dermatologists, among others.

To curb its misuse and improve public health, the Indian government today issued guidelines on its use, while also flagging risks around it.

In an official statement issued today, the government has stated that it will roll out stricter inspections to curb the misuse of GLP-1 drugs in the country and will punish those who violate the rules.

“GLP-1 drugs are a significant medical breakthrough in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, but they are not without risk. The drugs carry a wide range of side effects - from common symptoms like nausea and vomiting to severe complications including pancreatitis, kidney injury, and bowel obstruction. These risks make it essential that GLP-1 drugs are only taken under the supervision of registered medical practitioners/specialists,” the statement said.

In the wake of its hype over weight loss, the country's regulatory authorities have taken firm steps to prevent unsupervised use and malpractices in the supply chain.

It has “strongly advised” patients and the public to” consult a qualified medical specialist before use, and to obtain these medications with prescription only through legitimate, regulated channels”.

“Stricter inspections and surveillance will continue in the coming weeks. Businesses that break the rules will face license cancellation, fines, and legal action,” the statement said.

Also read: GLP-1 Drugs: Why India Needs Stricter Rules Now

What Are The Side-effects Of GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 drugs work to keep food in the digestive system for longer – making people feel fuller for longer, thus reducing appetite and inducing weight loss. Hence, the drugs are also prescribed to people with obesity.

However, when done without clinical oversight, it can lead to severe health complications.

There are various side effects to taking GLP-1 drugs, including nausea and dizziness, to pancreatitis and medullary thyroid cancer.

Some serious side effects include

• Pancreatis
• Thyroid Cancer
• Acute (Sudden) Kidney Injury
• Worsening Diabetes-Related Retinopathy
• Gallstone & Bile Duct Blockage
• Rapid loss of fat in the face
• Wrinkles
• Sunken eyes

GLP-1 medications may also complicate various health conditions, such as allergic reactions, with shortness of breath and low blood sugar.

Rush For Generic Weight Loss Drugs

The government's advisory comes as patent for semaglutide -- an active ingredient in diabetes and anti-obesity drugs, specifically Wegovy and Ozempic -- expired on March 20.

This has led to a rush among Indian pharma companies to launch cheaper generic versions, significantly increasing affordability and access for millions battling Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Also read: CDSCO threatens action against pharma companies for promoting GLP-1 weight-loss drugs

Major Indian drugmakers who launched their generic semglutide injection in the country in March include Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Zydus Lifesciences, Alkem Laboratories, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.

WHO Guidelines on GLP-1 drugs

Amid the increasing prevalence of GLP-1 drugs, the World Health Organisation (WHO), late last year, acknowledged its role in treating obesity.

However, it warned that medications like GLP-1 alone will not solve the problem affecting more than one billion people worldwide.

The global health body also issued conditional recommendations for using these therapies as part of a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity, and support from health professionals.