Obesity Video Recap — October 28, 2025

LucidQuest

2 weeks ago

Join us for this biweekly roundup of obesity news, where we summarize important announcements, study results, and innovation trends driving the field forward.

Watch Our Video Summary Capturing Obesity News from the Last Two Weeks

Top Stories Covered in This Video

🧪 Ascletis completes US Phase IIa enrollment for once-monthly ASC30 [1] [US • 19 Oct 2025]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ascletis-completes-enrollment-in-us-phase-iia-study-for-its-once-monthly-subcutaneous-depot-treatment-formulation-of-small-molecule-glp-1r-agonist-asc30-for-obesity-302587485.html
Context: 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center Phase IIa in obesity or overweight with comorbidity, three dose cohorts, n=65.
Key point: Enrollment complete for once-monthly SQ depot small-molecule GLP-1R agonist; Phase Ib showed 46-day observed half-life and peak-to-trough ~1.5:1.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🛑 Terns exits obesity after TERN-601 Phase II profile deemed uncompetitive [2] [22 Oct 2025]

https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/terns-turns-away-from-obesity-pill-after-uncompetitive-phase-ii-profile
Context: Phase II showed modest placebo-adjusted weight loss at 12 weeks with GI AEs and grade 3 liver enzyme elevations.
Key point: Company halts TERN-601 development and pivots to oncology program TERN-701.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🆚 Innovent’s mazdutide tops semaglutide in DREAMS-3 head-to-head Phase 3 🎯 [3] [China • 26 Oct 2025]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/innovents-mazdutide-shows-superiority-in-glycemic-control-with-weight-loss-over-semaglutide-in-a-head-to-head-phase-3-clinical-trial-dreams-3-302594633.html
Context: Open-label Phase 3 in Chinese adults with early T2D and obesity, 32-week active period, n=349.
Key point: Mazdutide beat semaglutide on primary composite of HbA1c <7.0% and ≥10% weight loss; greater mean HbA1c and weight reductions reported; GI AEs most common.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

💊 Lilly oral GLP-1RA orforglipron notches two more Phase 3 wins in T2D [4] [16 Oct 2025]

https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/eli-lillys-oral-glp-1ra-gains-fourth-phase-iii-type-2-diabetes-win/
Context: ACHIEVE-2 vs dapagliflozin and ACHIEVE-5 vs placebo, multiple doses.
Key point: Both studies met primary and key secondary endpoints with reported A1C reductions across doses.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

📣 Hengrui/Kailera to present Phase 3 HRS9531 obesity data at ObesityWeek [5] [US • 21 Oct 2025]

https://www.sahmcapital.com/news/content/hengrui-pharma-and-kailera-therapeutics-announce-phase-3-hrs9531-obesity-data-presentation-at-obesityweek-2025-2025-10-21
Context: GEMINI-1 Phase 3 in China of once-weekly HRS9531, a dual GLP-1/GIP.
Key point: Oral presentation scheduled at ObesityWeek 2025; prior topline indicated potential for category-leading weight loss (specifics not stated).
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🇿🇦 Aspen highlights SA approval for weight-loss product and Mounjaro KwikPen access [6] [South Africa • 14 Oct 2025]

https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/companies-and-deals/aspen-pharmacare-hopes-weight-loss-product-will-fatten-profits/
Context: Company commentary cites SAHPRA approval for new obesity product; notes Mounjaro launched in SA for T2D in 2024, with KwikPen delivery.
Key point: Article signals expanded access to a weekly pre-filled injector for T2D and weight-management use as advised by clinicians (indication specifics per SA practice not detailed).
Implication: Access programs may expand screening, initiation, and follow-up at scale.

📈 Eccogene files for Hong Kong IPO, spotlights AZ deal on oral GLP-1 ECC5004 [7] [Hong Kong • 23 Oct 2025]

https://www.sahmcapital.com/news/content/eccogene-eyes-hong-kong-ipo-with-experimental-weight-loss-drug-astrazeneca-partnership-2025-10-23
Context: AZ licensed ex-China rights to ECC5004 with $185M upfront and milestones; Phase 2 global programs ongoing, China bridging Phase 1.
Key point: IPO proceeds to fund cardiometabolic pipeline, including oral GLP-1 positioned for convenient dosing with food per prospectus.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

💸 Kailera raises $600M Series B to advance KAI-9531 into Phase 3 [8] [14 Oct 2025]

https://www.kailera.com/press-release/kailera-therapeutics-announces-600-million-series-b-financing-to-further-advance-pipeline-of-next-generation-therapies-for-the-treatment-of-obesity/
Context: Financing led by Bain Capital PE with multiple institutional investors.
Key point: Funds will support global Phase 3 program of injectable dual GLP-1/GIP KAI-9531, with trials planned in obesity with and without T2D and in BMI ≥35.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

Why it matters

Dual agonists are driving head-to-head wins and late-stage momentum, potentially reshaping standards in T2D with obesity [3][5][8].
Oral GLP-1 agents continue to bifurcate, with strong programs advancing and safety-limited assets exiting [2][4][7].
Once-monthly depot small-molecule strategies could improve adherence if efficacy and safety hold up in larger trials [1].
Market access and device convenience, such as pre-filled pens, remain central to uptake across regions [6].
Capital flows and listings underscore sustained investor confidence in obesity pipelines despite competition [7][8].

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FAQ

What is ASC30 and how is it dosed?

ASC30 is a small-molecule GLP-1R agonist in an ultra-long-acting SQ depot formulation developed by Ascletis; Phase Ib showed an observed half-life supporting once-monthly dosing. A US Phase IIa has completed enrollment (n=65) [1].

Why did Terns stop developing TERN-601?

Phase II data showed modest weight loss and liver enzyme elevations, leading the company to deem the profile uncompetitive and to pivot focus to TERN-701 in CML [2].

How did mazdutide perform versus semaglutide in DREAMS-3?

In Chinese adults with T2D and obesity, mazdutide was superior on a composite of HbA1c <7% and ≥10% weight loss at 32 weeks, with greater mean reductions reported; GI AEs were most common [3].

What is the status of Lilly’s orforglipron?

Two additional Phase 3 studies in T2D, ACHIEVE-2 and ACHIEVE-5, met primary and key secondary endpoints with reported A1C reductions across doses [4].

What is being presented on HRS9531 at ObesityWeek?

An oral presentation of Phase 3 GEMINI-1 obesity data for HRS9531, a dual GLP-1/GIP, with prior topline indicating potential for category-leading weight loss, specifics not detailed in the notice [5].

How is Aspen expanding access in South Africa?

The article notes SAHPRA approval for a new weight-loss product and highlights availability of Mounjaro KwikPen in SA, facilitating weekly administration per clinician advice [6].

Entities / Keywords

Ascletis Pharma; ASC30; GLP-1R agonist; ultra-long-acting depot
Terns Pharmaceuticals; TERN-601; oral GLP-1; TERN-701
Innovent Biologics; mazdutide; GLP-1/GCG dual agonist; DREAMS-3
Eli Lilly; orforglipron; ACHIEVE-2; ACHIEVE-5; dapagliflozin
Hengrui Pharma; Kailera Therapeutics; HRS9531; GEMINI-1; ObesityWeek
Aspen Pharmacare; SAHPRA; Mounjaro; tirzepatide; KwikPen
Eccogene; ECC5004; AstraZeneca; Hong Kong IPO

References