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Ecnoglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist in-licensed by HK inno.N, has demonstrated therapeutic potential for obesity in adolescents following adults. Its Chinese partner Sciwind Biosciences plans to proceed with development as an adolescent obesity treatment based on these results.

HK inno.N announced on the 6th that Sciwind presented Phase 1b clinical trial results of ecnoglutide in obese adolescents at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting held in Milan, Italy, on the 30th of last month (local time).

The study enrolled 48 obese Chinese adolescents aged 12 to 17. Participants were randomized to receive ecnoglutide at 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, or 2.4 mg, or a placebo, and were treated for 20 weeks. Researchers evaluated safety, pharmacokinetic profiles, reductions in body weight and body mass index (BMI), and changes in key metabolic parameters.

Results showed sustained weight loss in the ecnoglutide groups from week 4 through week 20. At week 20, BMI decreased by 11.2% to 12.6% from baseline, while no significant change was observed in the placebo group. Body weight fell by 10.4% to 12.1% in the treatment groups, whereas it rose by 1.2% in the placebo group.

Waist and neck circumferences also decreased in the treatment groups. Major cardiovascular and metabolic indicators, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, and blood pressure, trended toward improvement compared with placebo. Safety and tolerability were generally favorable, and pharmacokinetic profiles, including drug absorption and distribution in the body, showed patterns similar to adult studies.

Ecnoglutide is a drug that selectively enhances cAMP signaling among multiple pathways activated by the GLP-1 receptor. HK inno.N in-licensed the candidate from Sciwind in 2024 and is currently conducting Phase 3 clinical trials in South Korea for obesity and diabetes. Sciwind is also conducting a Phase 3 trial targeting adolescent obesity patients.

Professor Fu Junfen of the Children's Hospital Affiliated with Zhejiang University School of Medicine, who took part in the study, said, "In adolescent obesity treatment, comprehensively evaluating safety and effects on growth and development alongside weight loss efficacy is critical. We plan to verify efficacy and safety in greater detail through the ongoing Phase 3 trial."

Kwak Dal-won, CEO of HK inno.N, stated, "These study results represent a meaningful achievement confirming ecnoglutide's therapeutic potential for adolescent obesity," adding, "We are exploring development strategies from multiple angles to provide diverse options for patients in South Korea."

                                                                                                              Bae Da-hyun