en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ractigen Therapeutics announced that the latest research abstract on its first-in-class small activating RNA (saRNA) candidate LiCO-saUcp1 for obesity has been accepted for a poster presentation at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 86th Scientific Sessions, to be held June 5-8, 2026, in New Orleans.
Current incretin-based weight loss therapies, while achieving significant weight reduction, are often associated with muscle mass loss and rapid weight regain upon discontinuation. Data to be presented at ADA demonstrate that LiCO-saUcp1 offers a direct solution to this industry challenge. The therapy utilizes the company's proprietary Lipid-conjugated Oligonucleotide (LiCO™) delivery platform to target and upregulate Ucp1 gene expression via saRNA, a key driver of metabolic thermogenesis that has been difficult to target with conventional drugs.
Dr. Long-Cheng Li, Founder and CEO of Ractigen Therapeutics, stated that the obesity market urgently needs next-generation therapies beyond mere appetite suppression, and saRNA opens a new pathway for obesity control. By activating the body's own thermogenic switch, this therapy is changing the fundamental composition of weight loss. Data show that the drug can achieve deep fat reduction while preserving muscle mass and reprogram metabolism to prevent post-treatment rebound.
In a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model, LiCO-saUcp1 reduced fat mass by 45% while fully preserving lean muscle mass; in comparison, the standard therapy semaglutide led to a 19% reduction in lean muscle mass. Animals treated with LiCO-saUcp1 maintained body weight and sustained a 46% reduction in fat mass for two months after treatment cessation, whereas semaglutide-treated animals experienced rapid weight regain. When combined with semaglutide, LiCO-saUcp1 synergistically drove a significant 69% reduction in fat mass (compared to 47% with semaglutide alone) without exacerbating the muscle wasting typically associated with GLP-1 drugs. Additionally, the therapy dose-dependently reduced liver triglycerides by up to 79%, indicating deep resolution of hepatic steatosis.
This research demonstrates that RNA activation can safely unlock Ucp1-driven thermogenesis. The abstract is available online via the journal Diabetes® website.
At ADA 2026, the poster presentation is titled "Activating the Adipose Thermogenic Switch: A First-in-Class Ucp1 saRNA Drives Durable, High-Quality Weight Loss in Diet-Induced Obese Mice," with poster number 3066-LB. The presenter is Dr. Moorim Kang, Chief Technology Officer, and the session will take place on June 7, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
RNA activation (RNAa) is a clinically validated platform technology developed by Ractigen Therapeutics founder Dr. Long-Cheng Li and his team, utilizing saRNA to target gene regulatory regions to activate endogenous gene expression and restore therapeutic protein levels. Ractigen Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing saRNA therapies through this technology and advancing its pipeline using proprietary delivery platforms such as SCAD™, LiCO™, and GLORY™ to address unmet medical needs in oncology, neurological disorders, and genetic diseases.
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