Innovent Biologics has had its Investigational New Drug (IND) application accepted by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for IBI3042, described as the world’s first orally administered, once-weekly small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist to enter clinical development. Preclinical data showed durable glycaemic control for at least seven days in humanised GLP-1 receptor knock-in mice and superior or comparable weight reduction versus daily orforglipron in obese primate models, positioning IBI3042 as a differentiated convenience-led entrant in the oral incretin market.

Separately, Chinese compatriot Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals filed a clinical trial application for GZC8072, believed to be an oral weekly formulation built on its bofanglutide peptide backbone, whose injectable version delivered 15.12% to 18.54% mean weight loss at week 52 in a Phase III obesity trial.

The parallel filings highlight China’s rapid diversification across GLP-1 modalities – small molecules, oral peptides, and extended-interval injectables – as domestic players race to capture metabolic disease share with differentiated dosing regimens. Innovent’s small-molecule approach targets adherence and supply-chain advantages over peptide synthesis, whilst Gan & Lee leverages existing Phase III injectable data to de-risk an oral transition. Both strategies reflect a broader industry shift toward less burdensome, chronically tolerable obesity and diabetes therapeutics.