Kailera, a portfolio company of RTW Biotech Opportunities (RTW), has announced positive topline data from the 8 mg dose of Hengrui Pharmaceutical’s Phase 2 clinical trial (HRS9531-203) of HRS9531, a GLP-1/GIP receptor dual agonist, in individuals living with obesity or overweight.

The clinical trial results showed that a once-weekly subcutaneous injection of the 8 mg dose of HRS9531 demonstrated a statistically significant 21.1% (p<0.0001) placebo-adjusted mean weight loss (22.8% mean change from baseline) at week 36, with no plateau in weight loss.

Additionally, 59% of HRS9531-treated participants achieved a weight loss of ≥20%. The trial results also demonstrated a favourable safety profile. Most adverse events were mild and consistent with the profile reported for the injectable GLP-1/GIP receptor dual agonist class.

Comments from Roderick Wong, managing partner and CIO at RTW Investments

“With 22.8% weight loss at 36 weeks, HRS9531 looks like a potentially best-in-class treatment for obesity and related conditions, beating the 21% shown by Eli Lilly’s retatrutide. These data increase our confidence that Kailera is one of the leading players in next-generation obesity management. Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and liver disease, as well as cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death worldwide and, as such, the treatment of it is a core focus for us.”