What Is MariTide?
MariTide, or what is sometimes referred to in scientific literature, maridebart cafraglutide, is an investigational weight loss drug being developed by Amgen for the treatment of obesity and, in some studies, type 2 diabetes. Although it is still going through clinical trials, the excitement around MariTide comes from its unique design, its once-monthly dosing, and early data showing promising weight reduction and improvements in blood glucose control.
How Does MariTide Work? A Simple Explanation
MariTide uses an innovative approach that gives it several advantages over current therapies:
Dual mechanism of action
- GLP-1 agonist: MariTide activates the GLP-1 receptor (also known as the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor). This is the same target used by popular medications like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic).
- GIPR blocker: MariTide also blocks glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide or GIP receptors. This is different from drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide), which stimulate both the GLP-1 and GIP pathways as dual receptor agonists.
Antibody-based design
MariTide is an antibody–peptide conjugate, often described as a type of monoclonal antibody therapy. This structure gives it a very long half-life, which allows for monthly dosing—a major advantage for long-term weight management.
What this means for your body
Activating the GLP-1 pathway and blocking GIPR may help:
- Reduce appetite
- Slow digestion
- Improve blood sugar control
- Support body weight reduction
- Improve cardiometabolic markers like blood pressure, HbA1c, and cholesterol
What Have the Clinical Trials Shown So Far?
MariTide has completed a Phase 2 trial that was published and shared through press releases, the New England Journal of Medicine, and at the American Diabetes Association’s annual meeting in Chicago.
Weight Loss Results
In the double-blind clinical trial, participants receiving MariTide saw significant weight reduction. This was the primary endpoint of the trial.
- Some groups achieved up to 20% average weight loss at 52 weeks. This was compared to 2.6% weight loss in the placebo group.
- These numbers rival or approach results seen in semaglutide and tirzepatide, and exceed many older GLP-1 medications.
In addition to the weight loss, MariTide also showed it:
- Decreased HbA1c levels by 1.2% to 1.6% compared to a 0.1% rise with placebo.
- Decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- Improved participants’ waist circumference, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, lipid levels, and body mass index.
Dosing: A Once-Monthly Option
A key benefit of MariTide is that it only needs to be injected once-monthly. This could be a game-changer for people who struggle with weekly injections from similar medications like:
- Wegovy/Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Zepbound/Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Other GLP-1 receptor agonists
The extended dosing is made possible by the long-lasting antibody structure and slow metabolism.
Side Effects & Safety: What We Know So Far
Like most obesity drug therapies targeting the GLP-1 pathway, MariTide most commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
Many of these occur during dose escalation, which is why the Phase 2 trial tested different starting doses.
Safety considerations
Researchers are monitoring for:
- Adverse events
- Potential safety signals
- Discontinuation rates
- Impacts on cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and sleep apnea
- Changes in blood pressure and HbA1c
As with any emerging therapy, more data from Phase 3 trials will be needed to fully understand risk versus benefit.
How Does MariTide Compare to Other Weight-Loss Medications?
Compared to Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic)
- Similar GLP-1 benefits, but MariTide may offer monthly dosing instead of weekly.
- Weight loss appears competitive or slightly higher in early testing.
Compared to Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) from Eli Lilly
- Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 + GIP agonist.
- MariTide is unique for being a GLP-1 agonist + GIP blocker.
- Early weight loss with MariTide has been strong, though tirzepatide still leads in large published studies.
Compared to older obesity medications
MariTide appears to outperform older pills and injections in terms of percentage points of body weight lost, based on early data.
Why Is MariTide Getting So Much Attention?
MariTide’s potential benefits include:
- Monthly dosing
- Significant weight loss
- Strong improvements in cardiometabolic markers
- A novel GIPR-blocking mechanism
- Extended half-life via antibody technology
- Early results showing improvements in blood sugar, HbA1c, and potentially blood pressure
If approved, MariTide could offer a new option for millions living with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or related conditions like sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease.
The Bottom Line
MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide) is a promising next-generation obesity drug from Amgen. Early Phase 2 clinical trial results show impressive weight reduction, improvements in blood sugar, and potential benefits for overall heart health. But it’s still investigational.
We will need results from ongoing Phase 3 trials and FDA approval to know:
- Long-term safety and effectiveness
- Cost and insurance coverage
- How it compares in real-world use to similar medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro)
Sources
- Jastreboff, A. M., et al. MariTide Phase 2 Obesity Trial Investigators (2025). Once-Monthly Maridebart Cafraglutide for the Treatment of Obesity – A Phase 2 Trial. The New England Journal of Medicine. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2504214. Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- AMGEN ANNOUNCES ROBUST WEIGHT LOSS WITH MARITIDE IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH OBESITY OR OVERWEIGHT AT 52 WEEKS IN A PHASE 2 STUDY. (2024, November 26). Amgen. Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.