China-based Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals (SHA: 603087) announced that its Category 1 therapeutic biologic product GZR4 has received clinical trial approval for treating diabetes. GZR4 is an ultra-long-acting insulin designed for once-weekly subcutaneous injection, addressing the need for more stable and convenient diabetes management.
Product Profile
Current long-acting basal insulin analogs have half-lives ranging from 10 to 26 hours, requiring daily administration. GZR4, as a weekly insulin, offers a lower dosing frequency, more stable blood glucose levels, reduced variability, and a lower risk of hypoglycemia.
Global Context
There are currently no weekly insulin products on the market. Globally, Novo Nordisk’s Icodec (Insulin 287) and Eli Lilly’s Basal Insulin Fc (BIF; LY3209590) are in Phase III trials, highlighting the growing interest in ultra-long-acting insulin therapies.-Fineline Info & Tech
