Laekna, a Sino-US biotech firm, has announced the commencement of a subcutaneous dosing cohort within its Phase I single ascending dose (SAD) study for the monoclonal antibody drug candidate LAE102, which is under investigation for the treatment of obesity. The study, which is randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled, aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of LAE102 administered both intravenously and via subcutaneous injection.
As of September 30, 2024, more than half of the subjects in the intravenous infusion cohort have received dosing, with initial indications of target binding and anticipated alterations in pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers observed in the low-dose group. The SAD study is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024.
LAE102, developed in-house by Laekna, is a potent and selective monoclonal antibody targeting ActRIIA, which has demonstrated the capacity to increase muscle mass and decrease fat in pre-clinical trials. The combination therapy of LAE102 with a GLP-1 receptor agonist is expected to enhance fat reduction and significantly mitigate muscle loss associated with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
This development marks a significant step forward for Laekna as it advances its pipeline towards addressing obesity, a condition that affects a growing global population and carries significant health implications.- Flcube.com
