Kailera's oral GLP-1 pill shows ~10% weight loss in Chinese Phase 3 trial

Kailera Therapeutics reported that its oral GLP-1 candidate HRS-7535 achieved about 10% average weight loss over 44 weeks in a Phase 3 study in China.

The highest daily dose led to a mean 9.8% reduction, comparable to existing injectables, and the drug also lowered blood sugar in a separate diabetes trial.

Analysts noted the trial also showed a high incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events, raising safety concerns.

The company has not yet completed a broader Phase 2 obesity study required by the U.S. FDA, and its partner Hengrui Pharma is involved. The results add to data supporting Kailera's plan to compete with Lilly's and Novo's marketed obesity drugs.