Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (SHA: 600276, HKG: 1276) announced that its investigational drug HRS‑4729 Injection has obtained approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to initiate clinical trials for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Product Profile
Mechanism – Triple agonist targeting
GLP‑1 Receptor (GLP‑1R)
GIP Receptor (GIPR)
Glucagon Receptor (GCGR)
Clinical Advantage – Compared with dual GLP‑1/GIP agonists, HRS‑4729:
Regulates glucose & lipid metabolism while suppressing appetite
Feature
Benefit
Triple‑receptor action
Superior metabolic control vs dual agonists
First‑in‑class status
No approved product worldwide
Regulatory & Commercial Milestones
Event
Date
Significance
NMPA Approval to initiate trials
5 Sep 2025
Paves way for MASLD/MASH clinical development
Licensing to Hercules Pharmaceuticals (US)
May 2025
Up to USD 6 B payment & 19.9% equity stake
Strategic Value – Strengthens Hengrui’s GLP‑1 portfolio and positions the company at the forefront of next‑generation metabolic therapeutics.
Market Outlook
Disease Burden – MASLD/MASH projected to affect > 300 M adults worldwide; Chinese market alone > 20 M patients.
Competitive Landscape – Existing GLP‑1 agonists (liraglutide, semaglutide) treat diabetes and obesity but lack GCGR activity.
Commercial Potential – Successful trials could unlock a multi‑billion‑dollar market, especially given the unmet need for effective liver‑centric metabolic agents.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube 