Neurocrine Biosciences Begins Phase 1 Study of GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Triple Agonist NBIP-'1968 for Obesity

Neurocrine Biosciences has initiated a phase 1 first-in-human clinical study evaluating the safety and tolerability of NBIP-'1968, an investigational GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor triple agonist being developed as a treatment for obesity.¹ The study will initially evaluate single ascending doses of NBIP-'1968 in adult participants across a range of body mass index categories, including overweight and obese individuals.¹

How does NBIP-'1968 work?

NBIP-'1968 is an internally discovered, long-acting triple agonist designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration that targets receptors for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon.¹ These three pathways influence appetite regulation, energy balance, and glycemic control, and Neurocrine has said the molecule was designed with balanced glucagon receptor activity intended to optimize the metabolic benefits of glucagon signaling while supporting tolerability.¹ Triple agonists represent a next-generation approach in obesity therapeutics, building on earlier single- and dual-agonist incretin therapies by aiming to more closely replicate coordinated endocrine signaling across multiple metabolic pathways simultaneously.²

Why does this matter in the obesity therapeutics landscape?

Obesity affects a significant proportion of adults worldwide and is closely linked to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, among other conditions.¹ Despite recent advances in GLP-1-based treatment, Neurocrine has said current therapies can present challenges around gastrointestinal tolerability, dose titration, and loss of lean muscle mass, gaps the company is positioning NBIP-'1968 to help address.¹ The triple-agonist mechanism has drawn increasing competitive interest across the industry, with other companies advancing similar molecules through mid-stage trials, reflecting a broader shift toward multi-pathway metabolic targeting rather than single-hormone approaches.²

What did company leadership say?

Sanjay Keswani, MD, chief medical officer of Neurocrine Biosciences, said, "Obesity is a complex chronic disease driven by multiple biological pathways, underscoring the need for additional treatment options. NBIP-'1968 is designed to engage three complementary metabolic mechanisms, reflecting our commitment to exploring multiple scientific approaches to obesity."¹ Jude Onyia, PhD, chief scientific officer of Neurocrine Biosciences, added, "Advancing NBIP-'1968 into the clinic marks another important step in building our obesity portfolio. Our strategy is to explore complementary and differentiated mechanisms that may improve weight loss, preserve lean mass and ultimately address the diverse needs of people living with obesity."¹

What else is in Neurocrine's obesity pipeline?

NBIP-'1968 is intended for eventual use in a fixed-dose combination with NBIP-'2118, an investigational corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 receptor agonist currently in its own phase 1 development.¹ Neurocrine's broader obesity research also includes earlier-stage programs exploring complementary mechanisms and extended dosing intervals, positioning the company to compete in a therapeutic area that has expanded rapidly beyond the original GLP-1 monotherapy class into combination and multi-agonist approaches.¹

References

1. Neurocrine Biosciences announces initiation of Phase 1 clinical study evaluating NBIP-'1968, a GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor triple agonist. News release. PR Newswire. August 7, 2026. Accessed August 7, 2026.
2. Abdrabou Abouelmagd A, Abdelrehim AM, Bashir MN, et al. Efficacy and safety of retatrutide, a novel GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptor agonist for obesity treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2026. Accessed August 7, 2026.