Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. has announced significant advancements in its research on glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as a treatment for obesity and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In a preclinical study conducted with support from the United States Veterans Administration, GDNF outperformed semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular medications Wegovy® and Ozempic®, across various critical health metrics.
The study revealed that GDNF not only stabilized weight but also improved glucose tolerance, reduced liver weight, and controlled adipose tissue, particularly in female mouse models. This promising data positions GDNF as a potential alternative in the growing $200 billion obesity market, aiming to overcome limitations associated with current GLP-1 agonists, including gastrointestinal side effects and muscle loss.
Key Findings from the Study
In a rigorous 12-week study at the Srinivasan Lab, researchers used CF-1 mice to simulate human obesity. The findings highlighted GDNF’s effectiveness in several areas:
1. **Weight Management**: Female mice on a high-fat diet demonstrated a weight gain reduction of 10-15% when treated with GDNF. This result showcased a plateau in weight gain during the final weeks of treatment, while semaglutide showed no significant impact on weight stabilization.
2. **Glucose Metabolism**: GDNF normalized fasting glucose levels and demonstrated a superior response to glucose challenges compared to semaglutide among female mice. Notably, improvements were also recorded in male subjects, indicating its broad metabolic benefits.
3. **Liver and Adipose Health**: The treatment led to a 20-30% reduction in liver weight and effectively prevented adipose tissue accumulation in female models, highlighting GDNF’s potential in alleviating fatty liver disease, a common issue linked to obesity.
Future Directions for GDNF
Robb Knie, CEO of Hoth Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm about the study’s implications. “These results are a monumental step forward for Hoth and the fight against obesity,” he stated. “GDNF not only matched but exceeded semaglutide in critical areas, opening doors to a new era of safer, more effective therapies.”
Hoth Therapeutics plans to accelerate GDNF toward Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies, with clinical trials anticipated to begin in 2027. The company is also focusing on other innovative projects within its pipeline, including HT-001 for cancer-related skin toxicities and HT-KIT, which holds Orphan Drug Designation for mast cell cancers.
Moving forward, Hoth will conduct further analyses on liver pathology and lipid content to deepen the understanding of GDNF’s mechanisms. As obesity continues to affect over 1 billion people worldwide, GDNF’s multifaceted benefits could significantly reshape treatment strategies in this critical health sector.
Hoth Therapeutics remains committed to improving patient outcomes through innovative research and development, striving to elevate drug therapies from preclinical stages to clinical application. To learn more about their initiatives, visit their official website.
The company also issued a forward-looking statement regarding its strategies and expectations, cautioning that actual results may differ due to various factors, including market conditions and regulatory challenges. Investors are advised to consider these risks when evaluating the company’s future performance.
