Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive liver disease that has limited available therapies. Shanghai Minwei Biotechnology Co. Ltd. has developed and presented data for MWN-105, a GLP-1/GIP/FGF21 triple agonist aimed at controlling metabolic dysfunction and fibrosis during MASH.

Insparin is a protein isolated from human adenovirus Ad36 that induces cellular glucose uptake without impacting safety. A preclinical study of insparin looked at its potential antidiabetic effects compared to those of pioglitazone.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonism is a validated approach for treating obesity. ECC-4703 is a small molecule and liver-targeting compound developed by Eccogene Co. Ltd. It is an agonist of thyroid hormone receptor β (THR-β) and its metabolic impact on preclinical models of obesity in combination with semaglutide was investigated.

ASC-47 is a thyroid hormone receptor β agonist, muscle-preserving weight loss compound for treating obesity developed by Ascletis Pharma Inc. ASC-47 demonstrated a half-life of 26 and 40 days in healthy subjects and in patients with obesity, respectively.

Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. has nominated PN-477 as a development candidate for the treatment of obesity.

Therapies based on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) are the most effective for treating obesity to date, but their efficacy and tolerability are limited by gastrointestinal side effects and compensatory reduction of energy expenditure.

Synthetic mitochondrial protonophores uncouple ATP production, increasing tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity and fat oxidation to meet energy demands. This approach promotes weight loss and may also enhance glycemic control and lipid metabolism.

Mira Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced new animal study results with SKNY-1, highlighting its potential as an oral therapeutic to address both obesity and nicotine addiction. This follows the recent report of in vitro data on SKNY-1.

Abvance Therapeutics Inc. secured an undisclosed amount of capital in a seed round led by Zubi Capital to support development of an insulin and glucagon combination product that the company has been in the process of developing for approximately 18 months. “We’re very excited that this round is able to get us positioned for a successful series A once we meet some internal confidential milestones,” Edward Raskin, CEO of Abvance, told BioWorld.