Olix Confirms Weight Loss Effect in Primate Trials of Obesity Drug... "Expecting a Blockbuster New Drug"

Oligo, an innovative drug company based on RNA interference technology, announced on the 13th that it confirmed the weight loss effect in the interim results of the ongoing preclinical efficacy test in non-human primates (monkeys) for OLX702A, which is being developed as an obesity treatment.

Oligo confirmed the weight loss efficacy of OLX702A, which is being developed as a treatment for NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), and is also developing it as an obesity treatment. Currently, the globally emerging GLP-1 class obesity drug Semaglutide works by stimulating the GLP-1 receptor to suppress appetite and reduce energy intake, whereas Oligo’s OLX702A acts by increasing energy metabolism to reduce weight.

Oligo focused on the combination therapy of the two drugs, noting that the weight loss mechanisms of the existing GLP-1 class obesity drugs and OLX702A are different. Through a global clinical research organization (CRO), preclinical efficacy tests are underway in a non-human primate (monkey) model to confirm weight loss and the alleviation of rebound effects after discontinuation. According to the company’s analysis of the interim results of the primate experiment, the Semaglutide monotherapy group showed about 15.9% weight loss, while the OLX702A and Semaglutide combination therapy group showed about 21.6% weight loss, confirming an enhanced weight loss effect compared to the monotherapy group.

A company representative said, “OLX702A improves patient convenience with a dosing interval of once every 3 to 6 months compared to the existing GLP-1 class obesity drugs that are administered once a week. Unlike existing obesity treatments, it works by increasing energy metabolism, developing as an obesity treatment that enables healthier weight loss.”

He added, “Based on the rebound alleviation effect confirmed in the mouse experiments previously conducted with the OLX702A and Semaglutide combination therapy group, it is expected to become a blockbuster obesity drug that solves patients’ concerns about the ‘rebound effect after discontinuation,’ which is a major drawback of GLP-1 class obesity drugs.”