Incretin mimetics have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. These therapies have shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss and improving glucose metabolism and cardiometabolic health. However, a significant drawback of these therapies is the concurrent loss of lean body mass (LBM), which can account for a substantial overall weight reduction (15% to 40%). The reduction in LBM affects resting metabolic rate, often leading to a weight loss plateau and other negative outcomes.
Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd. formed a partnership with Gmax Biopharm International Ltd. to develop obesity candidate GMA-106. As part of the $57 million deal, Sino Biopharm acquired greater China rights to develop and commercialize the drug, in exchange for up-front and milestone payments to Gmax.
Research at Umecrine AB has led to the identification of a 3α-substituted 3β-hydroxy 17-oximated androstane compound acting as a GABA-A receptor antagonist.
Phenomix Sciences Inc. has launched a first-of-its-kind test that could provide precision medicine treatment options for patients suffering from a particular form of obesity. Key to the saliva-based Hungry Gut test for patients still hungry after eating is the science of phenotyping enabling specialists to determine genetic sources for this and other distinct obesity conditions.
Resalis Therapeutics Srl closed a €10 million (US$10.6 million) seed round to progress toward the clinic a micro-RNA (miR) inhibitor in development for metabolic disease indications. Riccardo Panella, chief scientific officer and founder, identified the potential of a particular miR species, miR-22, as a target for metabolic syndrome while conducting studies on its potential role in oncology while at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Microbio (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. has synthesized glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Obesity is an important cause of death worldwide, and it is defined as a body mass index >30 kg/m2. Genome-wide association studies have been successful at identifying genomic loci tied to obesity.
