Innovent Biologics announced on June 27 that its drug Mazdutide has been approved by China's National Medical Products Administration for chronic weight management in overweight and obese adults.

Mazdutide is the world's first dual glucagon (GCG)/glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist to reach the market, offering a novel treatment approach for patients with obesity and related metabolic conditions through its unique mechanism of action.

"Nowadays, obesity isn't just about body shape, it is rather a type of chronic metabolic disease," said Li Xiaoying at Zhongshan Hospital. "Complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases threaten people's heath and increase death rates."

GCG receptor is mainly expressed in the liver. Stimulating the receptor boosts metabolism and energy consumption, while also promoting liver fat reduction.

Combined with the GLP-1 receptor activation, Mazdutide helps manage appetite, stimulate insulin release, and protect beta cells, leading to weight loss and improved blood glucose control.

Obesity is linked to over 200 diseases, including gout and stroke, posing a significant threat to public health and contributing to increased healthcare costs.

The nation has implemented initiatives promoting scientific weight management to address the growing trend.

Notably, overweight or obese individuals in China often exhibit higher visceral fat levels, increased risk of metabolic diseases, and a lower baseline body mass index than their counterparts in Europe and the US.

The NMPA approval was primarily based on data from a Phase 3 pivotal clinical study conducted in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity.

Consequently, the commercialization of Mazdutide offers an effective and tailored clinical treatment solution for local patients.

Source: Shanghai Observer