Laekna, Inc. (2105.HK) ("Laekna"), a global biotech company focused on novel drug development for metabolic and cancer diseases, is pleased to announce a clinical collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), a global leader in cardiometabolic health, including diabetes and obesity, to accelerate the development of LAE102, a novel ActRIIA mAb as a novel treatment for obesity.  Accelerating innovative treatments like this hopefully can make a meaningful impact on the obesity epidemic and the lives of millions of people affected by obesity.

Key highlights of the collaboration include:

• Clinical development of LAE102 through phase 1 study including obese patients
• Lilly will fund, share resources and expertise to accelerate research and development timelines
• Laekna retains global rights for LAE102

The collaboration will focus on the development and clinical evaluation of LAE102, an innovative ActRIIA antagonistic mAb that may have potential as a first-in-class therapy in this disease area. ActRIIA is a receptor that has been shown to play a critical role in muscle regeneration and lipid metabolism. LAE102 has been shown to both increase lean mass and decrease fat mass in pre-clinical models. If successful, LAE102 could, in combination with a GLP1R agonist, further reduce fat mass and significantly regain the lean mass loss induced by GLP1R agonist. This positions LAE102 as a promising complementary drug candidate for achieving quality weight control.

By combining Laekna's novel approach with Lilly's decades-long experience in metabolic diseases, the partnership aims to significantly advance the standard of care in obesity management.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with a great team at Lilly, a renowned global leader in the field of obesity and metabolic diseases, to introduce cutting-edge treatment to patients suffering from such a devastating condition," said Dr. Chris Lu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Laekna. "Together with Lilly's vast clinical expertise in the cardiometabolic space, we are optimistic about this collaboration's potential to accelerate the global development of LAE102 and make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people affected by obesity."