GC Wellbeing, an affiliate of GC Biopharma, said on the 29th that it signed an exclusive deal with Israel-based biotech Raziel Therapeutics for the development and commercialization in Korea of the local fat-reducing injection candidate "RZL-012."
The two companies signed the agreement on the 25th at the Westin South Coast Plaza in California. The event was attended by GC Wellbeing CEO Kim Sang-hyun; head of research and development Jung Si-young; Raziel board chair Philippe Schaison; and CEO Alon Blumenfeld.
RZL-012 is a next-generation local fat-dissolving injection set to enter phase 3 clinical trials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While existing fat-dissolving injections have mainly been used for facial contouring such as reducing submental fat, RZL-012 is being developed to target fat reduction in various body areas including the abdomen, flanks, and upper arms.
Raziel said that, unlike competing products, a single administration may be enough to remove fat cells. The company confirmed efficacy and safety for reducing submental and flank fat with a single procedure in U.S. phase 2 trials, completed discussions with the FDA on the phase 3 design, and is preparing to begin phase 3 within the year.
With glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based obesity treatments spreading rapidly recently, demand is growing to manage specific body areas more precisely after weight loss. RZL-012 is drawing attention as a next-generation aesthetic solution targeting body-contouring needs that GLP-1 obesity treatments struggle to address.
The global body contouring (body correction and body management) market is projected to expand from about 3 trillion won in 2025 to about 10 trillion won in 2034. In particular, as interest in post-weight-loss body improvement and body contouring rises in the United States and other global markets with the spread of GLP-1 obesity treatments, the related market is expected to grow rapidly.
Along with the contract, GC Wellbeing also made a strategic investment in Raziel. The company said the decision goes beyond securing distribution rights to build a close collaboration framework for global commercialization, including in the United States as well as domestically.
Raziel is currently wrapping up a phase 3 registrational trial in China and is targeting entry into U.S. FDA phase 3 trials and a Nasdaq (NASDAQ) listing.
The company said the decision goes beyond securing distribution rights to build a close collaboration framework for global commercialization, including in the United States as well as domestically.
The company currently operates a non-reimbursed pharmaceuticals and aesthetics business while also distributing Eli Lilly and Company's GLP-1 obesity treatment Mounjaro in the United States. It expects the introduction of the new drug to secure a new growth engine.
GC Wellbeing CEO Kim Sang-hyun said, "Through this partnership, we have strengthened our portfolio in the aesthetics business, a new growth area, by securing Raziel's innovative technology that is drawing attention in the global aesthetics market," adding, "We will swiftly pursue domestic clinical and approval procedures in step with global development timelines, including U.S. FDA phase 3 trials."
Raziel CEO Alon Blumenfeld said, "Korea is one of the key countries leading the global aesthetics market, and GC Wellbeing is the optimal partner with a strong hospital and clinic network and market expertise," adding, "Through this collaboration, we will introduce an innovative body contouring solution to the Korean market."