Researchers at the University of Utah have identified an enzyme called PapB that can reshape therapeutic peptides, a class of protein-like drugs, by linking their ends together into tight rings. This process, known as macrocyclization, creates compact structures that can improve how these medicines perform in the body.

The discovery could be especially useful for enhancing GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, which are widely used to treat diabetes and obesity. By converting these drugs into ring-shaped forms, scientists may be able to make them more durable and effective.

Why Cyclic Peptides Matter for Drug Performance

Ring-shaped peptides offer several advantages over their open-chain counterparts.…