[Click eStock] "Lapass's Obesity Treatment Attracts Interest from Novo Nordisk... Phase 2 Clinical Trials Expected This Year"

On October 15, independent research firm ValueFinder analyzed that Lapass is expected to accelerate Phase 2 clinical trials for its obesity treatment microneedle within this year.

Lee Chungheon, a researcher at ValueFinder, stated, "Lapass is a microneedle specialist company that was listed on the KOSDAQ market in 2019 and succeeded in commercializing the DEN method for the first time in the world." He explained, "This method involves contacting and stretching a liquid containing active ingredients onto a double-sided patch to simultaneously produce two microneedle patches. It is highly suitable for mass production and ideal for loading biopharmaceuticals."

In April of this year, Lapass successfully released the results of its Phase 1 clinical trial for a semaglutide-based obesity treatment patch utilizing its microneedle technology. The clinical results showed that there were no serious adverse reactions in any of the dosage groups, with only mild side effects such as minor swelling observed. The relative bioavailability was 30% compared to the subcutaneous injection formulation, which is 60 times higher than existing oral products.

Based on these positive Phase 1 results, Lapass is expected to independently enter Phase 2 clinical trials overseas within this year. According to Lapass, several Chinese pharmaceutical companies have shown interest in the company's research, and Novo Nordisk is also reportedly interested. It is understood that Lapass is currently in discussions with potential partners for technology transfer agreements.

The researcher added, "Although Lapass is currently operating at a loss, most of these losses are due to research and development expenses. The company is focusing on normalizing its performance through the launch of new products in its core cosmetics division."