(SeaPRwire) –   Dual Activation of MC3R and MC4R Promotes Weight Loss and Reduces Food Intake in Obese Male Primates

NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 29, 2026 — Kalohexis, a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging the melanocortin system to advance metabolic disease treatment, with an initial focus on obesity and cancer cachexia, today announced the publication of research in Nature Communications. The study highlights melanocortin system activation as a promising target for next-generation obesity therapies. Kalohexis is currently developing 710GO, a novel oral dual MC3R/MC4R agonist, which commenced Phase 1 testing in the second quarter of 2026 as a potential treatment for general obesity.

“Our research, featured in Nature Communications, demonstrates that dual MC3R/MC4R activation leads to enhanced weight loss and reduced food intake when compared to selective MC4R agonism, while also addressing limitations of prior MC4R-selective and GLP-1 based approaches. These findings offer crucial insights that support a clear path forward for melanocortin-targeted therapeutics, specifically our lead obesity asset, the dual receptor agonist 710GO, to achieve healthier, more sustained weight loss,” stated Dr. Daniel Marks, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of Kalohexis. “The publication of these data in Nature Communications underscores the significant potential of MC3R/MC4R agonism, and we are eager to further evaluate 710GO for the treatment of general obesity in a Phase 1 clinical trial.”

The publication, titled “Dual Activation of MC3R and MC4R Drives Weight Loss and Reduces Food Intake in Male Primates with Obesity,” suggests that dual MC3R/MC4R agonism may overcome limitations associated with earlier MC4R-selective approaches and GLP-1s in managing obesity. The authors reported that diet-induced obese non-human primates treated with daily oral doses of 710GO experienced an 11.7% reduction in body weight over 13 weeks. The weight loss induced by 710GO was primarily attributed to reductions in fat mass, with minimal impact on lean mass and only modest weight regain following discontinuation, supporting the durability of the treatment. Notably, 710GO was well tolerated, with no observed gastrointestinal adverse events and no significant cardiovascular changes, even at supratherapeutic doses. Co-administration with semaglutide resulted in greater weight loss than either agent alone, indicating potential compatibility with incretin-based therapies.

About Kalohexis
Kalohexis is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, spun out of Endevica Bio in March 2026, aiming to redefine metabolic disease care by harnessing the melanocortin system, the body’s natural regulator of metabolic homeostasis, to help people live healthier lives. Kalohexis’ therapeutic peptides are designed to safely and effectively target central melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R/MC4R) to treat various metabolic disorders. Kalohexis’ primary pipeline programs include 710GO, an oral dual MC3R/MC4R agonist intended to induce healthier, more durable weight loss in general obesity, and mifomelatide, a dual MC3R/MC4R antagonist for treating cachexia in patients with advanced cancers. For more information, visit www.kalohexis.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Investor and Media Contact:
Argot Partners
kalohexis@argotpartners.com

SOURCE Kalohexis