Raziel Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company developing next-generation novel prescription products for the medical aesthetics market, announces phase 3 study initiation in China for the treatment of fat reduction in the submental area. Submental fat (SMF) reduction is the first indication for RZL-012 among many potential aesthetic focal fat reduction treatments for body shaping.

RZL-012 is an injectable lipolytic drug being developed for the reduction of unwanted submental fat ("double-chin") or fat in other body areas, in adults. The compound is injected subcutaneously into submental fat tissue in 1-2 injection sessions by trained physicians and destroys fat cells, resulting in fat volume reduction and improved appearance of the injected area. 

Raziel Therapeutics and Tianjin JuveStar Biotech Co., Ltd., (JuveStar), a company invested and incubated by the venture capital arm of Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (Fosun Pharma, stock code: 600196.SH, 02196.HK), partnered with Raziel Therapeutics to develop RZL-012 and JuveStar holds the commercial rights for RZL-012 in Greater China. A phase 3 study will be initiated in China during the upcoming few weeks. JuveStar will be responsible for conducting the phase 3 study, while Raziel will be responsible for manufacturing the drug substance and finished drug product for the clinical activities in China. The product is expected to be launched in China during 2027. "The initiation of phase 3 study in the China market is a significant progress, we believe that RZL 012 will be a lead drug for focal fat reduction in China" said Alon Bloomenfeld Founder and CEO of Raziel therapeutics. 

Fosun Pharma is one of the leading healthcare companies in China, with expertise and access to both the aesthetic and therapeutic markets. The collaboration will enrich Fosun Pharma's pipeline in the field of medical aesthetics and provide more options for the unmet clinical needs. The market for focal reduction of resistant fat based therapies, has high potential and is complementary to the widespread use of weight loss therapies. The benefit of using RZL-012 is its ability to target focal or localized unwanted fat with only 1-2 treatment cycles.