Significant Weight Loss Achieved with Olatorepatide
At the recent annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) held in Milan from September 28 to October 2, 2026, Hansoh Pharma unveiled groundbreaking results from their phase III study on olatorepatide, a dual-action agonist targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This innovative drug aims to provide effective weight management alongside excellent safety and tolerability.
Study Overview
The study, named LIGHTEN, was a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 604 overweight or obese adults in China. Eligible participants had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of
≥ 28 kg/m² or
24–28 kg/m² accompanied by at least one weight-related comorbidity. Over the trial's length, participants received subcutaneous injections of olatorepatide at doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly or a placebo control for
48 weeks.
Key Findings
Notably, the results illustrated an impressive
19.3% average weight reduction for the 15 mg dose group after one year, without reaching a weight plateau. Moreover, waist circumference significantly decreased by an average of
16.0 cm in the same group. The incidence of gastrointestinal side effects was relatively low, with nausea recorded at
7.8% and vomiting at
4.9%.
Statistical Highlights
- - Weight Loss After 48 Weeks:
- 5 mg:
-12.5%
- 10 mg:
-17.5%
- 15 mg:
-19.3%
- Placebo:
-2.7%
- - Achievement of Weight Loss Targets:
- ≥5% weight loss: 87.3%, 97.2%, 95.2% for 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg respectively compared to
28.6% in the placebo group.
- ≥10% weight loss: 61.7%, 89.3%, and 88.9% compared to
14.6% in the placebo group.
- ≥15% weight loss: 32.6%, 60.2%, and 71.7% versus
3.2% in the placebo group.
The efficacy analysis indicated that the decline in body weight was statistically significant (P < 0.0001), substantiating olatorepatide’s effectiveness as a treatment modality for weight management.
Pharmacological Insights
Olatorepatide employs a novel signaling pathway approach aimed at overcoming challenges in achieving substantial weight loss and good treatment tolerance simultaneously. It operates by modulating essential metabolic pathways that regulate appetite, glucose metabolism, and energy balance.
Beyond weight loss, participants receiving olatorepatide demonstrated improvement in various metabolic parameters, including blood pressure, lipid profiles, HbA1c levels, insulin resistance indexes, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios, and uric acid levels, showcasing its broad metabolic benefits.
Safety Profile
The safety profile of olatorepatide mirrors that of existing GLP-1 receptor agonists, but with a lower reported incidence of gastrointestinal issues compared to data on available treatments in the same class. Adverse events were minimal, with no participant discontinuing the therapy due to side effects.
Conclusion
The findings from the EASD conference highlight the potential of olatorepatide as a promising new strategy for managing weight in adults suffering from obesity or overweight issues. Hansoh Pharma, a leading innovator in the pharmaceutical landscape, continues to focus on significant therapeutic areas, ensuring patients have access to novel healthcare solutions.
As Hansoh Pharma progresses, it remains dedicated to ongoing innovations that improve lives, marking olatorepatide’s role as a critical advancement in weight management therapy.
About Hansoh Pharma
Hansoh Pharma is a prominent Chinese pharmaceutical company driven by innovation and committed to its mission of "Continuous Innovation for a Better Life." The company focuses on major therapeutic areas such as oncology, metabolic diseases, immunology, central nervous system disorders, and infection treatment.