Another siRNA-Based Anti-Obesity Drug Enters Preclinical Development as Chinese Pharma Companies Accelerate Investment in the Field

　　【Pharmaceutical Network Industry Dynamics】Obesity is a chronic and complex disease caused by excessive fat deposition. GLP-1R agonists such as semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide are important medications for obese patients. However, it has been pointed out in the industry that GLP-1R agonists are not perfect, with issues like poor tolerance, muscle loss during weight reduction, and severe weight rebound after discontinuation being significant concerns. In recent years, siRNA, as an emerging technology receiving much attention, based on the principle of base pairing, can catalyze the degradation of targeted mRNA and is expected to achieve long-term intervention through effective delivery methods.
 

In recent years, in the field of siRNA weight-loss drugs, pharmaceutical companies in China have actively increased their investment and achieved breakthroughs. For instance, on January 29, Huadong Medicine announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hangzhou Zhongmei Huadong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., together with Suzhou Shian Biotechnology Co., Ltd., jointly declared the successful completion of the preclinical candidate compound (PCC) confirmation for their strategic cooperation project—an innovative siRNA therapy targeting a novel weight-loss mechanism. The project has now officially entered the preclinical research stage.
 

It is reported that, leveraging its core advantages in siRNA drug development such as the self-developed AI-based siRNA sequence design platform, eSAFE chemical modification technology, and STORK-L GalNAc conjugation delivery technology, Shian Biotech has closely collaborated with the R&D team of Huadong Medicine to successfully develop a highly specific siRNA molecule for weight loss treatment. Preliminary experimental data shows efficacy in reducing body weight and improving glucose and lipid metabolism, with good safety. Huadong Medicine will subsequently lead the clinical trial design, regulatory submissions, and rapid expansion into global markets by utilizing its development capabilities, clinical resources, and commercialization experience in metabolic diseases. Both parties will continue to accelerate the clinical validation and industrialization process of this innovative therapy through complementary strengths.
 

Apart from Huadong Medicine, SANEGENEBIO is actively promoting the development of siRNA weight-loss drugs. In December 2025, the company announced that its self-developed innovative drug, SGB-7342, had received implied permission for clinical trial application from the Center for Drug Evaluation of China's National Medical Products Administration, and will be used to treat obesity. SANEGENEBIO plans to begin Phase 1 clinical trials of this small interfering RNA (siRNA) drug in early 2026.
 

Data shows that SGB-7342 is an siRNA candidate drug specifically targeting INHBE, utilizing the next-generation GalNAc conjugation technology developed by SANEGENEBIO. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the expression of INHBE mRNA in the liver through RNAi technology, thereby reducing the levels of Activin E protein, promoting fat breakdown without affecting muscle breakdown, and ultimately improving metabolic abnormalities and insulin resistance. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that a single subcutaneous injection of SGB-7342 effectively and durably reduces INHBE mRNA in the liver. Animal model experiments also showed significant weight loss, improved body composition, and the anticipated effect of muscle maintenance, along with good safety and tolerability.
 

In addition, Hengrui Pharma registered a Phase I clinical trial for HRS-5817 on the Drug Clinical Trial Registration and Information Disclosure Platform website in April 2025. According to available information, HRS-5817 is a novel siRNA drug for the treatment of obesity. In January 2024, Shanghai Bowang also disclosed its INHBE siRNA project on its website, which is currently still in the preclinical research stage.
 

Obesity is a chronic and complex disease caused by excessive fat deposition. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, affects bone health and the reproductive system, and raises the risk of cancer. Therefore, strengthening the development of related drugs is crucial. The development of siRNA weight-loss drugs is expected to bring new treatment options for patients. However, industry experts point out that progress in siRNA weight-loss drugs has been slow. The most advanced drug in development is Alnylam's ALN-KHK, which has completed Phase 1 clinical trials, while other drugs are still in preclinical research stages. The first siRNA weight-loss drug is expected to reach the market by 2029.
 

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