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On June 6, 2026, Ractigen Therapeutics, a clinical-stage frontier biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative small activating RNA (saRNA) therapeutics, announced itsA First-in-Class Therapy for Obesity（First-in-Class）The latest Late-Breaking Abstract on the saRNA candidate drug LiCO-saUcp1 has been accepted by the 86th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA)., and will be presented in poster format. The conference was held from June 5 to 8, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.Although current incretin-based therapies (such as GLP-1 agonists) demonstrate significant efficacy in weight loss, clinical challenges—including the loss of lean body mass (muscle mass) and rapid weight regain after discontinuation—are becoming increasingly prominent. Data presented at the ADA Annual Meeting indicate that LiCO-saUcp1 has the potential to fundamentally address this industry-wide challenge. Leveraging the company’s proprietary Lipid-Conjugated Oligonucleotide (LiCO™) delivery platform, this therapy utilizes self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) to specifically target and upregulate the endogenous Ucp1 gene. As a core driver of metabolic thermogenesis, Ucp1 has long been regarded by the industry as “undruggable” due to the difficulty of intervention with traditional pharmaceutical agents.“The current obesity market is urgently seeking next-generation therapies that go beyond mere ‘appetite suppression.’”Dr. Li Longcheng, Founder and CEO of Ractigen, stated“saRNA has opened up entirely new frontiers in obesity management. By activating the body’s own thermogenic switch, we have fundamentally transformed the composition of weight loss. Our data demonstrate that this therapy not only achieves substantial fat reduction but also effectively preserves muscle mass and remodels metabolic mechanisms to prevent the concerning post-discontinuation rebound. This is precisely the ‘high-quality weight loss’ currently sought by the industry.”Highlights of the Latest Breakthrough Research Data from ADA- True “High-Quality” Weight Loss:In the diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model, LiCO-saUcp1 achieved a substantial 45% reduction in fat mass while fully preserving lean body mass (muscle mass). In contrast, the standard therapy semaglutide resulted in a severe 19% loss of lean body mass.
- Eliminating the Rebound Effect:Over the full two months following treatment cessation, animals treated with LiCO-saUcp1 successfully maintained their original body weight and sustained a 46% reduction in fat mass; this stands in sharp contrast to the rapid weight rebound observed after discontinuation of semaglutide.
- Best-in-class synergistic potential:When co-administered with semaglutide, LiCO-saUcp1 demonstrates excellent synergistic effects, achieving a significant reduction in fat mass of up to 69% (compared to only 47% with semaglutide monotherapy), without exacerbating the typical muscle loss side effect associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- Significant Hepatic Metabolic Benefits: The therapy reduced hepatic triglycerides in a dose-dependent manner (with a maximum reduction of 79%), confirming its profound ameliorative effect on hepatic steatosis (fatty liver).
By validating that RNA activation technology can safely and effectively reactivate Ucp1-driven thermogenesis, Ractigen has established a highly differentiated therapeutic strategy. LiCO-saUcp1 not only holds great potential as a monotherapy but also serves as an ideal combination partner for existing incretin-based therapies.The study abstract was published online simultaneously on the official website of the journal Diabetes® during the ADA Annual Meeting.Source: Ractigen
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