Scientists discover enzyme that could supercharge Ozempic-like weight-loss drugs
Scientists at the University of Utah have discovered an enzyme called PapB that could enhance the effectiveness of weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. The enzyme improves drug stability by forming peptides into ring structures, potentially making treatments last longer and work faster. This discovery may also benefit other peptide-based therapies for conditions such as cancer and gastrointestinal diseases.
- ▪The enzyme PapB enables macrocyclization, a process that forms peptide drugs into stable ring structures.
- ▪Macrocyclization increases the durability and effectiveness of drugs in the body, according to researcher Karsten Eastman.
- ▪The new enzymatic method could be applied to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as treatments for cancer and gastrointestinal diseases.
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US News Scientists discover new enzyme that could supercharge weight-loss drugs By Jeanne Erickson Published May 2, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ET Scientists have discovered an enzyme that could make popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy last longer and work faster — potentially supercharging diabetes and weight-loss treatments. The enzyme called PapB works by “tying off” peptide drugs into tight ring shapes through a process called macrocyclization, making them tougher and more resistant to breaking down in the body, according to researchers at the University of Utah, who published their findings in ACS Publications. Researchers have discovered a way to supercharge drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy in the future.
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