Poor tolerability of GLP-1 weight problems medicine leads many sufferers to cease taking them, leading to gaining again the load that was misplaced. Some drug firms are attempting to develop different approaches that would function upkeep therapies following preliminary remedy with GLP-1 injections, and Response Prescribed drugs now has encouraging mid-stage scientific knowledge constructing the case for its capsule.
The Response drug, RDX-002, is an oral small molecule designed to inhibit a goal known as intestinal microsomal triglyceride switch protein (iMTP). The Falls Church, Virginia-based biotech says this method reduces the uptake of triglycerides (fat) and ldl cholesterol by the physique. Consequently, the physique takes in fewer energy.
Response evaluated RDX-002, taken as a twice-daily capsule, in a Section 2 take a look at that enrolled 68 contributors who had stopped or have been keen to discontinue the Novo Nordisk GLP-1 drug Wegovy or the Eli Lilly GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist Zepbound. The primary purpose was to measure the change in triglyceride ranges, in comparison with placebo, after 12 weeks. Secondary targets embody measuring the change in physique weight and levels of cholesterol.
In accordance with outcomes launched Wednesday, Response’s drug let to statistically important reductions in fats ranges within the blood after consuming. Moreover, outcomes at 12 weeks confirmed these reductions have been additionally related to discount in weight regain in comparison with a placebo. The startup stated RDX-002 was typically well-tolerated, characterizing opposed occasions as principally mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal results. No critical opposed occasions have been reported. The corporate stated full Section 2 knowledge shall be offered at an upcoming scientific assembly.
RDX-002 was found and initially developed by Floor Logix, a biotech that was acquired by Kadmon Prescribed drugs. In 2021, Sanofi paid $1.9 billion to amass Kadmon, a deal centered primarily on Rezurock, a ROCK2 inhibitor that reached the market as a remedy for power graft-versus-host illness. Response licensed international rights to RDX-002 from Sanofi. In accordance with Response’s web site, firm co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Paul Sweetnam led the invention of RDX-002 at Floor Logix. Response introduced an $8 million Collection A financing in 2022.
The lead indication for RDX-002 is addressing weight achieve from antipsychotics, a standard facet impact of those medicines. A separate Section 2 program is ongoing on this indication. However serving to sufferers keep weight reduction following GLP-1 remedy opens up one other alternative for the biotech.
“By concentrating on key pathways concerned in metabolic regulation, we purpose to supply a sturdy, well-tolerated answer that helps long-term weight administration and cardiometabolic well being,” Response CEO Eric Keller stated in a ready assertion. “We stay dedicated to advancing the event of RDX-002 in our lead indication—antipsychotic-induced weight achieve (AIWG)—concentrating on a extremely metabolically weak inhabitants, in addition to exploring its potential in different areas with important unmet metabolic want.”
Photograph: Peter Dazeley, Getty Pictures
