The first phase 2b data for a novel oral glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) in people living with type 2 diabetes (SOLSTICE) or overweight or obesity (VISTA) will be revealed on Monday, June 8. The study sponsor disclosed that both trials met their primary endpoints. Detailed results will be shared for the first time at the 2026 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans.
“These data open up the developmental area and potential of oral GLP-1 RAs,” said Vanita R. Aroda, MD, Director of Diabetes Clinical Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “Initial GLP-1 RAs have been in the formulation of injectable therapies or oral peptide therapy, which carries delivery and dosing restrictions. As an oral, small molecule, non-peptide GLP-1 RA moving to phase 3, elecoglipron may bridge some of the current therapeutic gaps in the field.”
Dr. Aroda will discuss the primary results of SOLSTICE, an open-label, active comparator study during AZD5004, A Novel Oral Small Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist: Overweight/Obesity (VISTA) and Type 2 Diabetes (SOLSTICE) Phase 2 Trial Results on Monday, from 3:15–4:15 p.m. in Great Hall A of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The study demonstrated greater change in A1C versus placebo, with full details planned for release during the symposium. On-demand access to recorded presentations will be available to registered participants following the conclusion of the 2026 Scientific Sessions, from June 10–August 10.
Melanie Davies, CBE, MBChB, MD, FRCP, FRCGP, FMedSci, Professor of Diabetes Medicine and Co-Director of the Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, United Kingdom, will discuss the primary results of VISTA, a randomized, double-blind study of elecoglipron versus placebo in individuals with obesity or overweight without diabetes. Topline results demonstrated weight loss, but details have not yet been made public.
“It is important to have more data coming through to see the safety profile, the efficacy profile, and to see them with more than just one agent,” Dr. Davies said. “As we see the data come through, there may be differences. It will be good to see the relative efficacy and tolerability of these oral agents. We can’t assume they are all going to be exactly the same.”
Phase 2 is importantly focused on dose-finding, Dr. Aroda noted, although safety and efficacy data from both trials will feature prominently during the symposium in New Orleans.
“The objective is to identify the right dose in the intended patient population—this includes the target dose, the starting dose, and the titration scheme,” Dr. Aroda said. “This is akin to finding the Goldilocks balance of safety, tolerability, and efficacy. It’s not just about the maximum tolerable dose achieved, especially for GLP-1s. These key aspects of dose finding are becoming more and more visibly important with GLP-1s because these all affect patient tolerability and patient experience with GLP-1 RAs. There is both art and science to incorporating GLP-1s into clinical care. These results will shed light on both.”
The symposium will also provide an expanded look at what may be the next generation of oral GLP-1 RAs. The study sponsor has already announced that elecoglipron will move into phase 3 trials.
“Having more therapies available, and particularly more oral therapies, increases access for so many more people,” said Klara Rachel Klein, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Director of the Endocrine Diabetes and Obesity Clinical Research Unit at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Klein will provide commentary on both trials.
An oral semaglutide formulation has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for multiple indications, including glycemic control, chronic weight management, and reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. MACE is a leading cause of death among individuals living with type 2 diabetes.
Clinical trials are critical for population-level data, Dr. Klein continued, but individual response to any specific molecule, formulation, and delivery route can differ. Agents may have similar mechanisms of action, but pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse event profiles, efficacy, tolerability, and other factors can vary between agents, as well as between individuals based on their unique biology.
“Having more therapies available opens the possibility of treating more people who have different needs,” Dr. Klein said. “These agents are being tested in different populations for slightly different indications. One agent might have an indication for a specific disease or comorbidity compared to another. It’s all about access. The more therapies there are available, the greater the chance we have treatments for the people who need them.”
Register Today for the 2026 Scientific Sessions
Register to join us in New Orleans June 5–8 to learn about the latest advances in diabetes research, prevention, and care. After the meeting, registered participants will have on-demand access to recorded presentations.
