(Seoul=NSP NEWS) = Huons has received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for the domestic phase 1 clinical trial plan(IND) for HUC2-676, a glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)-based obesity treatment.

HUC2-676 is a low-molecular-weight synthetic peptide derivative of Saxenda Inj., a drug developed by Novo Nordisk and launched in Korea. This clinical trial aims to demonstrate equivalence by comparing the pharmacokinetic characteristics(PK) of HUC2-676 and Saxenda in healthy adults.

For the past two years, Huons has been developing an obesity treatment based on the GLP-1 receptor agonist(GLP-1RA). GLP-1RAs are known to stimulate insulin secretion and suppress glucagon secretion, lowering blood sugar levels. They also act on the hypothalamus in the brain to induce a feeling of satiety.

Huons plans to expand its obesity treatment portfolio beyond existing appetite suppressants like Hutermin Tablets and Pendi Tablets, as well as HUC2-676, through diverse R&D efforts, aiming to leap forward as a leader in the obesity market.

“We are aiming to obtain product approval by securing quality equivalence between HUC2-676 and Saxenda, as well as securing non-clinical data and phase 1 clinical trial data,” said the Vice President of Research and Development at Huons. “We will provide a new option for obesity treatment by developing a small-molecule synthetic peptide that has secured equivalence with existing biopharmaceuticals.”