Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals (SHA: 603087), a leading Chinese pharmaceutical company, has announced the commencement of dosing in a Phase I clinical study for its investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist, GZR18 tablets. This oral formulation is designed to target GPRC5D, BCMA, and CD3, and is intended to treat patients with recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who have been previously treated with at least three lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immune modulator, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
GZR18 is an innovative long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist that has demonstrated a long metabolic half-life in vivo, indicating its potential for sustained efficacy. This development comes at a time when Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus (semaglutide), the only similar oral GLP-1 drug approved in China, reported global sales of $2.8 billion in 2023, according to the company’s financial report .
The Phase I study in China will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of GZR18 in healthy subjects, laying the groundwork for its potential as a best-in-class treatment for multiple myeloma (MM). Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals is leveraging its proprietary T cell adapter multi-specific antibody drug development platform to enhance the drug’s tumor-targeting capabilities and activation of immune cells, offering advantages such as excellent tumor killing effects and good tolerability.
This clinical milestone follows the company’s recent acquisitions and the spin-off of Sandoz, reflecting Gan & Lee’s strategic focus on advancing therapies in cardio-renal-metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology areas. The development of GZR18 underscores the company’s commitment to innovation in addressing complex medical needs and enhancing patient care.- Flcube.com
