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Cirius Therapeutics Presents Synergistic Effects of CIR-0602K and Tirzepatide at ObesityWeek 2025

Overview

On November 4, 2025, Cirius Therapeutics, Inc., a pioneer in innovative therapies for insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunctions, showcased exciting new research at ObesityWeek 2025. The company revealed findings that underscore the synergistic and complementary effects of their lead product, CIR-0602K (azemiglitazone potassium), alongside Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist. This research could pave the way for enhanced treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Presentation Highlights

During a detailed oral presentation, Dr. Jerry Colca, CSO of Cirius, emphasized how the combination of these two medications yields greater and more sustainable weight loss, coupled with significant improvements in metabolic health, particularly within muscle and adipose tissues. The findings were derived from studies using preclinical obesity models, specifically diet-induced obese (DIO) mice.

Key Findings

1. Muscle Health Enhancement: The combination treatment was found to enhance skeletal muscle metabolic function, strength, and mass significantly. This was particularly notable as it counteracted the muscle mass and strength loss typically associated with Tirzepatide alone.
- Gene Expression: An increase in the expression of genes that support slow-twitch muscle fibers and mitochondrial function was observed, reinforcing these results. Previous studies indicated that CIR-0602K can mitigate lean muscle loss during GLP-1 agonist weight loss.

2. Adipose Tissue Remodeling: When CIR-0602K was combined with Tirzepatide, there was a remarkable reduction in the size of white adipose tissue cells while enhancing cellular diversity. This combination also led to a reduction in inflammation and an increase in adiponectin levels.
- Energy Expenditure: The treatment induced “beiging” of adipose tissue, greatly increasing energy expenditure, which suggests improved metabolic flexibility.

3. Weight Management: Notably, after discontinuing Tirzepatide, subjects treated with the combination maintained a stable weight loss compared to those receiving Tirzepatide alone, showcasing a net weight loss difference of approximately 16 percentage points. Most notably, in a subgroup of obese male mice, around 90% of weight loss was preserved following ongoing CIR-0602K treatment.

4. FGF-21 Expression: The treatment also tripled the expression of FGF-21 in white adipose tissue, aligning with Phase 2b study results focusing on metabolic conditions associated with obesity and diabetes.

Future Implications

Dr. Colca stated, “This data signifies a potential turning point in metabolic reprogramming, allowing us to enhance incretin-based therapies. By preserving muscle health and restoring the functionality of adipose tissues, we can promote long-term metabolic health.” Furthermore, Robert Beardsley, CEO of Cirius, added that these findings could influence treatment strategies for a spectrum of metabolic diseases, not just obesity and T2D.

Where to Find More Information

The oral presentation occurred at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, and was set to be followed by a poster session detailing cooperative interactions observed between CIR-0602K and Tirzepatide. Cirius is committed to advancing its understanding of the metabolic benefits of this combination therapy.

About Cirius Therapeutics

Cirius Therapeutics is actively tackling the challenges posed by insulin resistance and obesity through its focus on mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) inhibition. CIR-0602K stands out as a leading candidate in the company's efforts to develop an effective oral therapy aimed at reversing metabolic dysfunctions that lead to serious health implications.

For more information on their latest research, products, and therapeutic approaches, visit Cirius Therapeutics.