DOYLESTOWN, PA — Metabolics Pharma has announced preclinical findings highlighting the unique benefits of its drug candidate, ENT-03, in treating obesity and related metabolic dysfunctions. The study revealed that ENT-03 not only supports weight loss but sustains those results while improving blood glucose control, insulin sensitivity, and preserving lean body mass in comparison to semaglutide.
ENT-03 is a centrally acting aminosterol that works as a Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitor. It targets brain circuits that regulate energy and metabolism, offering a novel approach to obesity treatment. Preclinical research demonstrated that in models of diet-induced obesity, ENT-03 effectively lowered blood glucose, reduced adiposity, eliminated liver fat, and improved liver function.
The study compared ENT-03 to semaglutide, a combination of the two compounds, and a control vehicle. While vehicle-treated mice gained weight throughout the study, ENT-03 treated mice exhibited greater weight reduction than those treated with semaglutide. Importantly, weight loss and metabolic benefits persisted for two months after the cessation of ENT-03 treatment, an effect not observed with semaglutide. ENT-03 also showed superior preservation of lean body mass compared to other treatments.
“GLP-1 agonists have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes,” said Richard Larson, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Metabolics Pharma. “However, their impressive efficacy comes at the price of tolerability challenges, the loss of lean body mass, and the need to remain on treatment to sustain weight loss. ENT-03 represents a novel drug candidate that could be an alternative treatment to GLP-1 agonists or used in combination with them. We believe that ENT-03 could have a substantial impact on the obesity drug market since it has potential benefits beyond weight loss.”
Metabolics Pharma was spun off from its parent company, Enterin, in late 2024 to focus exclusively on ENT-03 and its application for treating obesity and related metabolic conditions. The company has completed a Phase 1a clinical trial, with results presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions earlier this month. A Phase 1b clinical trial is slated to begin in the second half of 2025.
“These preclinical data highlight both the promise and potential value of ENT-03 in the treatment of metabolic disease,” Dr. Larson commented. “This research is the foundation for our Phase 1 clinical trials in healthy obese and diabetic obese subjects.”
With its innovative approach to tackling obesity, Metabolics Pharma aims to address not only weight loss but also the broader metabolic challenges associated with the condition, offering new hope for millions of patients worldwide.
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