Obesity Today—February 17, 2026

This week’s Obesity update highlights late-stage clinical progress, Phase 3 timelines, early-stage data readouts, lifecycle strategies, patent extensions, and market expansion initiatives. Developments span oral GLP-1 candidates, next-generation assets, generics strategy, and geographic manufacturing advances across Asia and global markets.

In this Newsletter

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🧬 Hanmi highlights efpeglenatide Phase 3 topline [1] [South Korea • 12 Feb 2026]

https://en.news1.kr/lifestyle/5951466
Context: Efpeglenatide (Hanmi Pharmaceutical; once-weekly GLP-1RA) uses the company’s Lapscovery platform, positioned as dose-optimized for Korean patients (BMI differences cited).
Key point: Hanmi said Phase 3 trials are completed with topline results and the program is moving through approval steps (primary endpoint not specified).
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

💊 Viking plans oral VK2735 Phase 3 start in 3Q26 [2] [US • 12 Feb 2026]

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/viking-advance-oral-vk2735-phase-3-trial-obesity-3q26-stock-over-10
Context: Viking cited ongoing Phase 3 subcutaneous VK2735 obesity trials (VANQUISH-1 enrollment complete, VANQUISH-2 nearing completion, per report).
Key point: Viking expects to advance oral VK2735 into Phase 3 testing in 3Q26, and also described a maintenance-dosing study readout expected in Q3 2026.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

📉 Hengrui–Kailera report Phase 2 topline for oral ribupatide [3] [China • 10 Feb 2026]

https://www.kailera.com/press-release/kailera-therapeutics-and-hengrui-pharma-report-positive-topline-data-from-phase-2-obesity-trial-of-oral-ribupatide/
Context: Phase 2 (n = 166) in adults with obesity in China (NCT06841445), once-daily oral ribupatide (HRS9531 tablet, KAI-9531-T), a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist peptide, 26-week data.
Key point: Company reported mean weight reduction up to 12.1% at 26 weeks (dose-dependent results provided), with GI AEs reported, and said Hengrui plans Phase 3 in China; Kailera plans a global Phase 2 in 2026.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🧪 Eccogene–AstraZeneca share China Phase 1b topline for elecoglipron [4] [China • 10 Feb 2026]

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260210405505/en/Eccogene-Announces-Positive-Topline-Results-from-Phase-1b-Trial-of-Elecoglipron-AZD5004ECC5004-an-Oral-GLP-1-Receptor-Agonist-in-Adult-Participants-Living-with-ObesityOverweight-with-or-without-Type-2-Diabetes-in-China
Context: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1b in China, 16 weeks, n = 45, obesity/overweight with or without T2D, once-daily dosing, titration to maintenance dose.
Key point: Eccogene reported tolerability consistent with class, no TEAEs leading to discontinuation, and exploratory PD activity (clinically meaningful weight reduction; HbA1c improvement in T2D cohort) supporting future inclusion of China in a global Phase 3 program (regulatory steps pending).
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🏁 AstraZeneca to move elecoglipron into pivotal trials [5] [10 Feb 2026]

https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/astrazeneca-to-advance-in-licensed-oral-glp-1ra-to-pivotal-trials/
Context: Elecoglipron (AstraZeneca; oral GLP-1RA) was licensed from Eccogene (deal referenced as 2023). Phase 2b trials cited as VISTA (NCT06579092) and SOLSTICE (NCT06579105), with ADA June 2026 named for full results.
Key point: AstraZeneca said both Phase 2b trials met primary endpoints (weight change and responder threshold in VISTA, HbA1c change in SOLSTICE, per report) and it will initiate multiple Phase 3 trials (full datasets not disclosed).
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🐭 Hoth reports preclinical GDNF results vs semaglutide in mouse obesity model [6] [US • 10 Feb 2026]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hoth-therapeutics-announces-groundbreaking-positive-results-hoths-ht-va-gdnf-surpasses-semaglutide-in-weight-loss-glucose-control-and-liver-health-in-obesity-model-302682954.html
Context: 12-week mouse study (CF-1), Western diet, subcutaneous GDNF with escalating doses, compared with semaglutide dosing (per release).
Key point: Company claimed GDNF outperformed semaglutide across several preclinical measures (including weight-related and metabolic readouts), and said it plans to advance toward IND-enabling work, targeting clinical trials in 2027.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🧴 Novo Nordisk explores Wegovy vials [7] [11 Feb 2026]

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisk-plans-launch-wegovy-vials-2026-02-11/
Context: Reuters notes competitive dynamics with Eli Lilly’s Zepbound vials already on market (dose and pricing history referenced).
Key point: Novo Nordisk said it is exploring multiple device presentations for Wegovy, including vials, with some launches this year and others later (timelines not specified).
Implication: Could streamline initiation and adherence via remote prescribing and logistics.

🧾 MetaVia expands IP framing for DA-1726 (to 2041) [8] [13 Feb 2026]

https://ir.metaviatx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/metavia-builds-comprehensive-global-patent-protection-da-1726
Context: DA-1726 (MetaVia; dual oxyntomodulin analog agonist, GLP1R and glucagon receptor activity), IP described as licensed from Dong-A ST, with 39 granted and pending patents stated.
Key point: MetaVia said its patent estate supports exclusivity into 2041 (unless extended) and referenced prior clinical observations (weight and metabolic signals mentioned, study specifics not fully detailed in the excerpt).
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🏭 Myanmar’s first locally produced semaglutide announced [9] [Myanmar • 14 Feb 2026]

https://www.gnlm.com.mm/pmi-locally-produces-myanmars-first-semaglutide/
Context: AA Medical Products Ltd announced local production by Pacific Medical Industries (PMI), with an event noted in Yangon.
Key point: Article reports PMI produced semaglutide locally (brand named Seglupac), positioned as an affordable alternative to imported products (pricing not stated).
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.

💸 Biocon outlines generic obesity-drug rollout plans [10] [India • 13 Feb 2026]

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/biocon-aims-revenue-surge-with-rollout-generic-weight-loss-drugs-2026-02-13/
Context: Reuters frames broader competition among Indian drugmakers for post-patent obesity products, and notes semaglutide patent expiries in some markets in 2026.
Key point: Biocon told Reuters it is targeting a U.S. launch of generic liraglutide in the first quarter of its next financial year, and is aiming for Canada generic semaglutide next year pending approval, with additional markets planned (timelines vary; India launch cautious due to local requirements).
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.

👃 Shanghai Shiling targets 2028 completion of trials for semaglutide nasal spray [11] [China • 10 Feb 2026]

https://www.sahmcapital.com/news/content/china-biotech-aims-to-finish-trials-by-2028-for-spray-with-wegovy-active-ingredient-2026-02-10
Context: Reuters-described statement about a semaglutide nasal spray (same active ingredient as Wegovy), positioned for long-term use and potentially lower cost vs tablets (comparative data not provided).
Key point: Shanghai Shiling said it aims to complete global clinical trials by 2028 and reported it holds patents across multiple regions (jurisdictions listed).
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

Why it matters

Oral and alternative-delivery obesity drugs (oral GLP-1RA, nasal spray) are moving closer to pivotal testing, expanding the competitive set beyond injectables [2][4][5][11].
China continues to act as both a development hub and a commercialization battleground, with multiple obesity assets running or planning late-stage work there [3][4][11].
Device presentation and supply-chain choices (vials, local manufacturing) can shift access, pricing, and channel strategy even without new molecules [7][9].
Generic strategies and patent runway claims are becoming central to near-term economics across liraglutide and semaglutide families [8][10].

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FAQ

What is elecoglipron (AZD5004/ECC5004), and what is its status?

Elecoglipron is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist partnered between AstraZeneca and Eccogene. AstraZeneca said Phase 2b trials met primary endpoints and it plans multiple Phase 3 trials, while Eccogene reported China Phase 1b topline supporting global Phase 3 participation (full data pending) [4][5].

What did Hengrui Pharma and Kailera report for oral ribupatide?

They reported Phase 2 topline in 166 adults with obesity in China, including dose-level weight-loss results at 26 weeks and GI AE rates, and said Phase 3 in China is planned (conference presentation planned for full data) [3].

When does Viking plan to move oral VK2735 into Phase 3?

Viking said it expects to advance oral VK2735 into Phase 3 testing in 3Q26, alongside ongoing Phase 3 subcutaneous VK2735 obesity trials described in the same update [2].

Is Hanmi’s efpeglenatide approved yet?

The source describes completed Phase 3 trials with topline results and states Hanmi is navigating approval steps, but it does not confirm an approval decision or specify endpoints in the excerpt [1].

What is changing about Wegovy presentation, according to Novo Nordisk?

Novo Nordisk told Reuters it is exploring multiple device presentations for Wegovy, including vials, with some launches this year and others later (exact markets and timing not specified) [7].

How are generics and local manufacturing shaping access?

Biocon described plans for generic liraglutide and future semaglutide launches across regions, while Myanmar’s PMI announced local semaglutide production, both of which could increase supply options and pressure pricing over time [10][9].

Entities / Keywords

Hanmi Pharmaceutical (Hanmi Obesity Pipeline, H.O.P), efpeglenatide, Lapscovery
Viking Therapeutics (VKTX), VK2735 (oral, subcutaneous), VANQUISH-1, VANQUISH-2
Hengrui Pharma, Kailera Therapeutics, ribupatide (HRS9531 tablet, KAI-9531-T), GLP-1/GIP dual agonist
Eccogene, AstraZeneca, elecoglipron (AZD5004, ECC5004), VISTA, SOLSTICE
Hoth Therapeutics, GDNF, semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), MASLD
Novo Nordisk, Wegovy, vials, Eli Lilly, Zepbound
MetaVia, DA-1726, Dong-A ST, GLP1R/GCGR, oxyntomodulin analog
Pacific Medical Industries (PMI), Seglupac, Myanmar semaglutide
Biocon, generic liraglutide, generic semaglutide, Dr Reddy’s, Lupin, Sun Pharma
Shanghai Shiling Pharmaceutical, semaglutide nasal spray