By Fineline Cube 
Shanghai Innogen Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. (HKG: 2591) announced on 26 August, 2025 that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase II clinical trial of efsubaglutide alfa for the treatment of obesity and overweight in Australia.
What Is Efsubaglutide Alfa?
- Drug class – Ultra‑long‑acting human GLP‑1 receptor agonist.
- Half‑life – Up to 204 hours in type 2 diabetes patients.
- Pharmacodynamics – Rapid onset with significant glucose‑lowering effect.
The molecule is a next‑generation GLP‑1 analog that offers sustained receptor engagement while minimizing injection frequency, a key advantage in obesity therapeutics.
Clinical Milestone
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First patient dose | 26 Aug 2025 | Phase II obesity trial in Australia |
| China NMPA approval | Jan 2025 | Marketing approval for type‑2 diabetes glucose control |
| Trial design | Phase II | Randomized, placebo‑controlled, dose‑-ranging |
The Australian study will enroll up to 400 adults with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² and will assess efficacy, safety, and tolerability over 52 weeks.
Strategic Implications
- Global reach – Moving from a diabetes indication in China to a weight‑loss indication in Australia expands Innogen’s portfolio and market potential.
- Pipeline synergy – The long‑acting profile aligns with Innogen’s platform of engineered peptide therapeutics.
- Regulatory momentum – Successful Phase II data could pave the way for European and U.S. submissions within the next 18–24 months.
Industry Perspective
“Efsubaglutide’s extended half‑life and proven glucose‑lowering efficacy give it a unique positioning in the obesity space,” said Dr. Emily Chen, Chief Scientific Officer at Innogen.
“We are excited to translate these benefits to patients struggling with obesity in a rigorous Phase II setting.”-Fineline Info & Tech