Kailera Therapeutics and China-based Hengrui Pharma announced positive topline data from a Phase II trial for ribupatide in obesity, demonstrating significant weight loss potential for an oral GLP-1/GIP receptor dual agonist. The trial results underscore growing interest in novel oral obesity treatments that could provide alternatives to injectable medications.
Trial specifics
The multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial evaluated oral ribupatide in 166 Chinese adults with obesity. Participants received once-daily doses of 10 mg, 25 mg, or 50 mg, with researchers tracking weight loss and safety outcomes over 26 weeks.
Key efficacy results showed mean weight reductions ranging from 6.7% to 12.1% across different dose levels, compared to just 2.1-2.3% in the placebo group. Notably, at the 25 mg dose, 59.1% of participants achieved at least 10% weight loss, with 38.6% achieving 15% or greater weight reduction.
The safety profile appeared favorable, with most adverse events classified as mild to moderate. Gastrointestinal side effects were consistent with other GLP-1 receptor agonists, including vomiting rates between 2.4% and 11.4% across dose levels, and nausea rates from 11.9% to 22.7%.