Amylin: The Rising Star in Weight Loss Treatments

A Zurich researcher’s decades-long study of a pancreatic hormone is now central to the next generation of weight-loss therapies, attracting billions in investment from pharmaceutical companies. Here’s what experts expect.

Published: March 21, 2026

The Forgotten Hormone

For almost 35 years, Thomas Lutz, now a professor of veterinary physiology at the University of Zurich, has been studying the substances that regulate body weight. He focused on amylin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, even when it wasn’t a popular area of research. “Those who were interested in it aroused skepticism,” says Lutz. “This hormone produced by the pancreas was simply not in fashion.”

A Shift in Focus: From GLP-1 to Amylin

The recent success of GLP-1-based weight-loss injections, like those from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, has dramatically changed the landscape. These injections have demonstrated significant effectiveness and generated substantial revenue. Now, the pharmaceutical industry is looking towards the next wave of weight loss treatments, aiming for more targeted therapies with fewer side effects, potentially available in pill form.

Thomas Lutz’s Pioneering Research

The foundation for these promising new drugs is largely built on the work of Professor Lutz. He dedicated his career to understanding amylin and its potential. The Roche group, for example, has invested $5.3 billion in a partnership with a Danish company to develop a drug based on amylin’s principles. Novo Nordisk is also preparing to launch its first amylin-based injection .

How Amylin Works

“The hormone amylin acts directly in the brain and reduces our food intake,” explains Lutz. “In particular, it slows down the emptying of the stomach, which prolongs the feeling of satiety and makes us eat less.” Its effects are similar to GLP-1 agonists, but amylin appears to work through different brain areas, potentially leading to fewer side effects like nausea and vomiting .

From Cats to Humans: The Early Research

Lutz’s research began with cats suffering from diabetes. He observed that, similar to humans, these cats lacked amylin alongside insulin. Amylin, released simultaneously with insulin, helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce food intake. Further experiments with rats and mice confirmed that amylin promoted quicker satiety and reduced food consumption. In the late 1980s, Amylin Pharmaceuticals (later acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb and then AstraZeneca) reached similar conclusions while developing an amylin-based drug for diabetes.

A Growing Interest and Future Potential

While amylin research remained a niche field for years, the success of GLP-1 injections has spurred renewed interest. “In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry’s interest in our work has increased significantly,” Lutz acknowledges. He now serves as a scientific advisor to PILA PHARMA AB and collaborates with companies like Novo Nordisk .

Lutz emphasizes the potential of combining GLP-1 and amylin treatments. “The complementary mechanisms of action of GLP-1 and amylin could enable greater weight loss with fewer side effects.” Roche is pursuing this approach, aiming to personalize treatments based on individual needs – some patients may benefit from injections for significant weight loss, while others may prefer pills for milder weight management.

Market Potential and Broader Health Implications

The market for weight-loss treatments is estimated to reach $150 billion by the end of the decade . Addressing obesity is crucial, as it contributes to nearly 200 diseases, including hypertension, heart attacks, and diabetes.

Cautious Optimism and Ongoing Research

Lutz cautions against expecting these injections to be a cure-all. While promising for cardiometabolic diseases, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms and potential benefits. He is also exploring a potential “positive” side effect of amylin: improved memory, potentially linked to its evolutionary role in remembering food sources.

Expanding to Animal Health

Lutz also notes the potential for applying these treatments to animal health. Approximately half of dogs and cats in Switzerland are overweight, but currently, no weight-loss injections are approved for veterinary use. Research is underway, with promising initial results, potentially bringing the benefits of these treatments to our animal companions.

Novartis’s Approach

While Roche is heavily investing in new obesity drugs, Novartis is taking a different approach. CEO Vas Narasimhan stated that existing research on GLP-1 and amylin is well-documented and that it is “too late to get involved now.” Instead, Novartis is focusing on discovering new mechanisms, including RNA therapies.