#China #Shanghai #CureGene #EASL Congress #CG-0416

At the 2025 EASL Congress: A New Era in Obesity and Liver Health

In an exciting announcement at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Annual Congress, CureGene Pharmaceuticals unveiled late-breaking preclinical results for its innovative liver-targeted thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR-β) prodrug, CG-0416. The findings presented in a Late-Breaking Poster session suggest that CG-0416 may redefine treatment approaches not only for obesity but also for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Key Findings from the Preclinical Data

The preclinical results highlighted the triple therapeutic potential of CG-0416, including:

• - 58% reduction in hepatic lipid accumulation
• - 66% improvement in weight loss efficacy
• - 50% lower muscle loss rate compared to standard therapies.

These promising outcomes position CG-0416 as a dual-mechanism candidate, providing a dual approach towards managing both MASH and obesity effectively.

Addressing the Limitations of Current Therapies

Traditional treatments, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide, often encounter challenges such as sustaining weight control and preserving muscle mass. CG-0416 seeks to overcome these limitations by targeting specific metabolic pathways with precision, thus enhancing effectiveness.

Innovations of CG-0416

Enhanced Safety Profile

CG-0416 is designed for liver-specific activation, achieving active metabolite concentrations in the liver that are 20 times higher than those found in peripheral tissues. This targeted approach minimizes systemic activation of THR-β, significantly improving long-term safety compared to existing therapies.

Muscle Preservation Breakthrough

In a 26-week diet-induced obesity (DIO) murine model study, CG-0416, when combined with low-dose semaglutide, exhibited a 66% greater fat mass reduction compared to semaglutide alone. Moreover, it maintained a muscle-to-fat loss ratio of 0.18 kg/kg, demonstrating superior muscle preservation compared to existing treatment options which typically range from 0.35 to 0.63 kg/kg.

Advantages for Clinical Application

1. Dual-Pathway Synergy: CG-0416 boosts GLP-1-medicated hepatic lipid oxidation while also activating the IGF-1/Akt/FOXO3a pathway to inhibit muscle breakdown.
2. Possible Oral Administration: With 92% oral bioavailability, CG-0416 could pave the way for the first oral combination treatment with GLP-1 agonists, significantly improving patient compliance and treatment options.

CG-0416 drew considerable attention during its debut at the EASL Congress, thanks to its robust preclinical validation and innovative design. The compound sets a new benchmark in the treatment of metabolic diseases by effectively reprogramming metabolic pathways while prioritizing safety.

Overview of CG-0416

CG-0416 is a novel THR-β prodrug specifically designed for MASH and obesity-related complications. Its unique mechanism of tissue-selective activation addresses issues related to hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. Preclinical studies suggest it performs better than other competitors like resmetirom and VK-2809 in maintaining metabolic control. As it emerges as a potential oral adjunct to GLP-1 therapies, CG-0416 combines rapid fat reduction with muscle preservation, establishing itself as a next-generation metabolic modulator.

About CureGene

Founded in 2018, CureGene is a biotech company based in China, with a global focus and research offices in both China and the United States. The organization has made significant strides in the fields of cardio-cerebrovascular and antiviral diseases, developing innovative platforms and a pipeline of novel drugs that hold substantial market promise. With a mission-driven approach, CureGene has garnered a team of highly distinguished scientists and efficiently transitioned from a research-stage startup to a clinical-stage biotech company, with all its drug pipelines showcasing the potential for First-in-Class or Best-in-Class development.

For further information on CG-0416 and upcoming developments, please visit CureGene's official website.