Chinese Obesity Drug HRS9531: A Potential Rival to Eli Lilly's Zepbound with Promising Results in Late-Stage Trial

Chinese drugmaker Hengrui Pharma and its US partner Kailera Therapeutics have reported positive data for their experimental obesity drug, HRS9531. The weekly injection helped patients lose an average of 18% of their body weight, exceeding the placebo weight loss. The companies plan to file for approval in China and conduct global studies, positioning the drug as a potential competitor to Eli Lilly's Zepbound.

Chinese drugmaker Hengrui Pharma and its US partner Kailera Therapeutics have announced positive results from a Phase 3 trial for their experimental obesity drug, HRS9531. The weekly injection demonstrated significant weight loss, with patients losing an average of 18% of their body weight over 48 weeks. This performance exceeded the placebo group by 16% [1].

The trial, conducted in China, enrolled 567 adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related medical condition. Participants were randomized to receive either a 2 milligram, 4 milligram, or 6 milligram weekly injection of HRS9531, or placebo, for 48 weeks. The drug showed a favorable safety profile, with most adverse events being mild to moderate and gastrointestinal-related [2].

Hengrui plans to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) in China, while Kailera is advancing HRS9531 to global clinical trials under the name KAI-9531. The companies aim to evaluate higher doses and longer treatment durations to expand the drug's potential [2].

The success of HRS9531 positions it as a potential competitor to Eli Lilly's Zepbound, which has shown similar efficacy in clinical trials. The results of HRS9531 suggest it has "best-in-class potential" and could offer a new treatment option for patients struggling with obesity [1].

References:
[1] https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/kailera-hengrui-obesity-drug-results-china/753050/
[2] https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/hengrui-pharma-and-kailera-therapeutics-report-positive-topline-data-from-phase-3-obesity-trial-in-china-of-dual-glp-1-gip-receptor-agonist-hrs9531