A pill for weight loss just passed a big test. Kailera Therapeutics announced that its oral obesity and diabetes drug, HRS-7535, hit its primary endpoints in two late-stage trials conducted in China by partner Hengrui Pharma. The drug achieved up to 11.1% mean weight loss by week 50 — a promising signal for the growing oral GLP-1 space.
Kailera Therapeutics announced that its oral obesity and diabetes drug, HRS-7535, successfully met the primary endpoints in two late-stage clinical trials conducted in China by its partner Hengrui Pharma. The results mark a meaningful milestone for the company as it works to carve out a space in the increasingly competitive obesity drug market — this time with a pill rather than an injectable.
The drug is now also being tested in a global mid-stage trial in people living with obesity or overweight, which kicked off in April 2026, with data expected in 2027. That global readout will be a key test of whether the results from China translate to broader populations.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: As demand for GLP-1-based weight loss therapies surges, an effective oral option could dramatically expand access and patient adherence compared to injectables. HRS-7535's late-stage success in China puts Kailera in a stronger position heading into its global trial readout.
