Experimental Obesity Pill Shows Strong Results in Late-Stage Clinical Trials

Kailera Therapeutics says its oral weight-loss drug met primary goals in two Phase III studies, marking another milestone in the rapidly growing obesity treatment market

Kailera Therapeutics has announced that its experimental oral obesity medicine, HRS-7535, successfully met the primary objectives in two late-stage clinical trials conducted in China, strengthening competition in the global weight-loss drug market.

According to the company, participants in the obesity trial achieved average weight reductions of up to 10.9% after 44 weeks and 11.1% after 50 weeks of treatment. A separate trial involving patients with Type 2 diabetes also demonstrated that the medicine was comparable to AstraZeneca's dapagliflozin in lowering blood sugar levels.

More than 2,000 volunteers participated in the studies, with researchers reporting no significant liver safety concerns. The company plans to continue international trials, with additional mid-stage global results expected next year.

The announcement comes as pharmaceutical companies worldwide race to develop new GLP-1 medicines for obesity and diabetes. Analysts estimate that the global obesity treatment market could exceed US$150 billion over the next decade as demand continues to rise.

Medical experts note that while weight-loss medicines are becoming increasingly effective, long-term success still depends on healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and ongoing medical supervision.