In the late 2010s, scientists at the Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk developed a new weekly obesity treatment that targeted three hormones at once. In mice studies , the drug, which activated receptors of the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon hormones, caused notable weight loss.

But Novo shelved the therapy. The company was concerned about potential side effects of targeting glucagon, like increasing blood sugar and heart rate. Besides, Novo already had another obesity treatment in development that showed great promise — the GLP-1 drug semaglutide, now sold under the brand name Wegovy.

“I just never felt there was a conviction within Novo to fight through the obstacles” with glucagon, such as trying out slower titration schedules to manage side effects, said Richard DiMarchi, a chemist who led t

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