Rona Therapeutics Unveils Promising siRNA RN3161 to Combat Obesity Effectively

Rona Therapeutics Announce IND Filing of RN3161

In a significant move to address the growing obesity epidemic, Rona Therapeutics has successfully submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for RN3161 to the Australian Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). This submission represents a pivotal moment in the company's mission to develop advanced RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, with RN3161 specifically targeting the INHBE gene—a novel mechanism aimed at treating adults struggling with overweight and obesity.

The Obesity Crisis

Obesity has become a major global health crisis, often leading to serious health complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Conventional treatments frequently come with undesirable side effects ranging from gastrointestinal issues to loss of muscle mass, making adherence challenging for many patients.

Rona's innovative approach centers around the INHBE gene, located in the liver, which produces Activin E—a protein integral to regulating fat metabolism. Individuals with certain variations in the INHBE gene show enhanced fat distribution, improved body composition, and healthier cholesterol levels, thus suggesting that targeting this gene could lead to more effective obesity treatments.

The Innovation Behind RN3161

Developed via Rona's proprietary GAIA™ platform, RN3161 is a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA that targets the INHBE gene. Its unique formulation is designed to effectively reduce fat while preserving lean muscle mass, differentiating it from pre-existing treatments that typically result in unwanted muscle loss. RN3161 employs advanced chemical modifications that limit off-target effects, achieving over 90% INHBE mRNA knockdown in preclinical studies with non-human primates.

The long-lasting effects of RN3161 support infrequent dosing—spanning between six to twelve months—thereby promoting better patient adherence and making it a suitable option for sustained obesity management.

Statements from Leadership

Alex M. DePaoli, Chief Medical Officer of Rona Therapeutics, commented, “The successful submission to HREC marks a promising step in partnering innovative science with real-world applications for obesity treatment. RN3161 aims to facilitate weight loss while maintaining or even enhancing muscle mass. The prospect of a therapy requiring less frequent dosing represents a significant leap forward in the field of obesity management.”

Echoing this sentiment, CEO Stella Shi stated, “RN3161 stands to redefine the landscape of obesity therapies in the post-GLP-1 era. This milestone not only highlights our commitment to delivering effective and lasting therapies for patients but also reinforces our focus on utilizing groundbreaking siRNA technologies across various therapeutic landscapes.”

Rona Therapeutics: A Leader in RNAi Solutions

Founded to tackle critical challenges in the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases, Rona Therapeutics has cultivated a robust pipeline emphasizing effective liver and extra-hepatic delivery technologies. Since its inception, the company has garnered $100 million USD in funding, positioning itself as a pioneering player within the RNAi therapeutics domain.

As the fourth clinical candidate generated from the GAIA™ platform, RN3161 exemplifies Rona Therapeutics’ ongoing commitment to advancing transformative RNAi medicines to improve global health outcomes. With a focus on innovation, Rona aims to break new ground in effective and accessible obesity treatment, ushering in a new era of patient care.