Celltrion announced on May 29 that it has begun a non-human primate toxicity study for its next-generation obesity treatment candidate, CT-G32 (SCO-940). The company aims to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the first half of next year.
Developed in partnership with Japan's Scohia Pharma since 2024, CT-G32 is a novel quadruple-action agent targeting four mechanisms including GLP-1. Celltrion is leading the overall development—covering non-clinical, clinical, and global commercialization—to strengthen its competitive edge in the global market.
The company describes CT-G32 as a potential first-in-class drug designed to overcome limitations of existing GLP-1-based therapies, such as patient-to-patient weight loss variability, muscle loss, and sustainability issues, while maximizing weight reduction efficacy.
In the current toxicity study, Celltrion is evaluating the safety and toxicity profile of CT-G32 in 252 rats and 48 monkeys. This phase is critical for determining appropriate clinical dosing and ensuring safety. The company will also assess pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties.
According to Celltrion, prior non-clinical studies showed that CT-G32 achieved superior weight loss at equivalent doses compared to a control drug under development, while also preserving lean body mass (LBM).
Based on these non-clinical data, Celltrion plans to file an IND in the first half of next year and subsequently accelerate global clinical development. The company is also exploring potential expansion of CT-G32's indications beyond obesity to include metabolic diseases such as diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Separately, Celltrion is developing an oral multi-action obesity treatment, with an IND submission targeted for the second half of 2028. Research is ongoing to improve stability and bioavailability.
A Celltrion representative stated: "CT-G32 is being developed as a next-generation drug that addresses the limitations of existing GLP-1-based therapies and covers metabolic diseases beyond obesity. Leveraging the global development and manufacturing capabilities gained through our biosimilar business, Celltrion will continue to expand new drug pipelines in areas such as obesity and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to strengthen mid- to long-term growth drivers."
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 29, 2026