Wave Life Sciences RNA obesity shot shows fat loss with muscle preservation but trails Eli Lilly’s candidates
Wave Life Sciences is developing an RNA‑based obesity therapy, WVE‑007, that targets the INHBE gene to reduce fat mass, preserve lean muscle, and promote healthier weight loss.1
Preclinical data on WVE‑007’s mechanism and efficacy in reducing fat while preserving muscle were selected for an oral presentation at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Annual Scientific Sessions, highlighting scientific interest in the approach.1
Wave describes WVE‑007 as part of its pipeline of RNA medicines for obesity, positioning it as a potential first‑ or best‑in‑class therapeutic distinct from traditional peptide GLP‑1 or dual‑agonist drugs.1
Available information to date is preclinical; Wave has not yet reported large, late‑stage clinical outcomes on body‑weight reduction comparable to Eli Lilly’s leading injectable obesity drugs, such as tirzepatide, indicating that WVE‑007 is earlier in development and currently lags Lilly’s programs in clinical maturity and demonstrated efficacy.1
The company’s broader toolkit of RNA‑targeting modalities and chemistry innovations underpins WVE‑007 and other metabolic programs, as Wave aims to translate genetic and mechanistic insights (such as targeting INHBE) into differentiated obesity treatments.1