Eli Lilly, Laekna Partner on Obesity Drug

Eli Lilly has partnered with Hong Kong-listed Laekna to develop LAE102, an experimental drug aimed at facilitating weight loss while preserving muscle mass. This collaboration seeks to leverage Lilly's expertise in metabolic health and Laekna's innovative approaches to combat obesity, a market projected to reach $150 billion by 2030. LAE102 targets the Activin Receptor Type 2A and has shown promise in preclinical studies by increasing lean mass and decreasing fat mass. Lilly will fund the drug's development, while Laekna retains global rights and plans to conduct early-stage trials in China. If successful, LAE102 could be used alongside GLP-1 treatments to further enhance fat loss and muscle preservation. Other companies, including Regeneron and Scholar Rock, are also exploring similar muscle-preserving treatments, indicating a competitive landscape in obesity therapies.