Researchers from Congruence Therapeutics Inc. have described the development of a mouse model of genetic obesity with a clinically relevant, naturally occurring human melanocortin MC4 receptor (MC4R) mutation.

Nearly $3.8 billion was earned by Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly and Co. in the third quarter for their glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs to treat obesity. Novo’s GLP-1 drug, Wegovy (semaglutide), approved by the U.S. FDA in June 2021, had sales of DKK17.3 billion (US$2.5 billion), while Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide), which is a GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide dual agonist FDA-approved in November 2023, posted sales of $1.26 billion for the quarter.

Positive findings from a phase III trial of semaglutide in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is moving Novo Nordisk A/S to expand the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist’s indications in the U.S. and Europe, the Danish pharma said, as the MASH field sights more novel therapies.

Researchers from Adipo Therapeutics LLC presented data from preclinical studies that aimed to assess the γ-secretase inhibitor ADPO-002 (dibenzazepine) for the treatment of obesity.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found that blocking the neuron-released peptide CGRP decreases pain sensitivity and reduces lesion size in endometriosis. Endometriosis is a painful, steroid-dependent inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to that of the endometrial lining grows and establishes outside the uterine mucosa.

Equillium Inc. plans to continue on its own with itolizumab – now the top pipeline priority – as Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Is letting expire the option for rights to the monoclonal antibody, designed to target the CD6-ALCAM signaling pathway.

Korro Bio Inc. has announced a submission to the Australian Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for a phase I/II study of KRRO-110 for α-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

Fractyl Health Inc. has nominated RJVA-002, a GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist, as its first pancreatic gene therapy candidate for obesity.