In preclinical trials, mice fed a high-fat diet and treated with GI-213 showed a 36.1 percent reduction in body weight after six weeks, despite increased food intake compared to the control group, indicating a potential for significant weight loss without dietary restrictions, the company said.
GI Innovation aims to address unmet needs in the obesity treatment market, which is projected to exceed 100 trillion won ($72 billion) by 2030. Current market leaders such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (GLP-1) faces challenges including muscle mass reduction side effects, tolerance development from long-term use and rebound weight gain after discontinuation.
"Global pharmaceutical companies are seeking new treatments that can overcome the limitations of GLP-1 class obesity drugs, such as the rebound effect after discontinuation," said Jang Myoung-ho, general of new drug development and clinical trial at GI Innovation.
"Starting with this patent application for GI-213, we will focus on developing a next-generation obesity treatment in the form of a long-acting, once-monthly injection that can lead the market," he added.
