Kailera Reports Positive Data in Ph2 Obesity Trial

RTW Biotech Opportunities Ltd

27 January 2025

 

LEI: 549300Q7EXQQH6KF7Z84

27 January 2025

RTW Biotech Opportunities Ltd

Kailera Announces Positive Data in Phase 2 Obesity Trial

RTW Biotech Opportunities Ltd (the "Company", "RTW Bio"), a London Stock Exchange-listed investment company focused on identifying transformative assets with high growth potential across the life sciences sector, is pleased to note an announcement from portfolio company, Kailera Therapeutics ("Kailera"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing a broad pipeline of next-generation therapies for the treatment of obesity and related conditions.

On 13 January, Kailera announced positive topline data from the 8 mg dose of Hengrui Pharmaceutical's Phase 2 clinical trial (HRS9531-203) of HRS9531, a GLP-1/GIP receptor dual agonist, in individuals living with obesity or overweight. The clinical trial results showed that a once-weekly subcutaneous injection of the 8 mg dose of HRS9531 demonstrated a statistically significant 21.1% (p<0.0001) placebo-adjusted mean weight loss (22.8% mean change from baseline) at week 36, with no plateau in weight loss. Additionally, 59% of HRS9531-treated participants achieved a weight loss of ≥20%. The trial results also demonstrated a favourable safety profile. Most adverse events were mild and consistent with the profile reported for the injectable GLP-1/GIP receptor dual agonist class.

Roderick Wong, Managing Partner and CIO at RTW Investments, LP, the Investment Manager ("RTW") said, "With 22.8% weight loss at 36 weeks, HRS9531 looks like a potentially best-in-class treatment for obesity and related conditions, beating the 21% shown by Eli Lilly's retatrutide. These data increase our confidence that Kailera is one of the leading players in next-generation obesity management. Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and liver disease, as well as cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death worldwide and, as such, the treatment of it is a core focus for us."  

The full text of the announcement can be accessed at

https://www.kailera.com/press-release/jiangsu-hengrui-pharmaceuticals-and-kailera-therapeutics-report-positive-topline-data-from-8-mg-dose-of-phase-2-obesity-trial-of-glp-1-gip-receptor-dual-agonist-hrs9531/

If you want to learn more about RTW's views on the science, impact, evolving competitive landscape and investment opportunities within obesity management and related conditions, then you can do so via The RTW Podcast Episode 3: "The $1 Trillion GLP-1 Revolution". You can find it on all the main podcast platforms and in the Content & Media section of RTW Bio's website:

https://www.rtwfunds.com/rtw-biotech-opportunities-ltd/content-media/

For Further Information

RTW Investments, LP	[phone]
Woody Stileman, Managing Director, Business Development Krisha McCune, Director, Investor Relations	[e-mail]
Cadarn Capital (PR & Communications/Distribution & IR Partner)	[phone]
Lucy Clark (PR)	[e-mail]
David Harris (Distribution)	[phone] [e-mail]
Deutsche Numis (Joint Corporate Broker) Freddie Barnfield	[phone]
Nathan Brown
Euan Brown
BofA Securities (Joint Corporate Broker)	[phone]
Edward Peel
Alex Penney
Elysium Fund Management Limited Joanna Duquemin Nicolle, Chief Executive Officer Sadie Morrison, Managing Director	[phone]
Morgan Stanley Fund Services USA LLC	[phone]

About Biotech Opportunities Ltd:

RTW Biotech Opportunities Ltd (LSE: RTW) is an investment fund focused on identifying transformative assets with high growth potential across the biopharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. Driven by a long-term approach to support innovative businesses, RTW Biotech Opportunities Ltd invests in companies developing next-generation therapies and technologies that can significantly improve patients' lives. RTW Biotech Opportunities Ltd is managed by RTW Investments, LP, a leading healthcare-focused entrepreneurial investment firm with deep scientific expertise and a strong track record of supporting companies developing life-changing therapies.

Visit the website at www.rtwfunds.com/rtw-biotech-opportunities-ltd for more information.

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The information in this announcement may include forward-looking statements, which are based on the current expectations and projections about future events, and in certain cases can be identified by the use of terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "estimate", "intend", "continue", "target", "believe" (or the negatives thereon) or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, as well as those included in any related materials, are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company and/or its underlying investments, including, among other things, the development of the applicable entity's business, trends in its operating industry, expected use of financing proceeds and future capital expenditures and acquisitions. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events in the forward-looking statements may not occur.

The information contained in this announcement is given at the date of its publication (unless otherwise marked). No reliance may be placed for any purpose whatsoever on the information or opinions contained in this announcement or on its completeness, accuracy or fairness.

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