Singapore-based Hebe Biotechnology Pte Ltd has appointed Hannes Hentze, PhD, MBA as Chief Development Officer (CDO), effective April 1, 2025. In this role, Dr. Hentze will lead the global development strategy for the company's next-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), a novel weight loss therapy designed to address the global obesity epidemic with enhanced efficacy and tolerability profiles.
Dr. Hentze joins Hebe Bio with over two decades of pharmaceutical development experience, specializing in oncology, metabolic disorders, and biologics. His extensive career spans academic research institutions including IMCB and NTU, biotech ventures such as SBIO, ES Cell International, and ASLAN, as well as large pharmaceutical companies including Schering-Plough and MSD. Most recently, he served as Associate Director of Translational Sciences at EDDC (ASTAR).
Sam Lim, MD, PhD, MBA, CEO of Hebe Bio, commented on the appointment: "We are thrilled to welcome Hannes to our leadership team. His deep expertise in metabolic drug development and his visionary approach align perfectly with our mission to deliver transformative therapies. His leadership will be pivotal as we accelerate our GLP-1 RA candidate, which has the potential to redefine standards in weight management and healthspan extension."
Strategic Development Focus
At Hebe Bio, Dr. Hentze will spearhead preclinical and translational development efforts, with responsibilities including guiding clinical trial readiness, regulatory strategy, and fostering strategic partnerships to accelerate the global commercialization of the company's GLP-1 RA program.
The appointment comes at a critical time in the obesity treatment landscape, where GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as breakthrough therapies but still face challenges related to side effects, muscle mass preservation, and long-term efficacy.
Dr. Hentze expressed enthusiasm about his new role: "Joining Hebe Bio is a unique opportunity to make a real impact in a critical area of global health. Our GLP-1 RA candidate has the potential to shift the obesity treatment paradigm, and I look forward to collaborating with the exceptional Hebe Bio team and our global partners to bring this therapy to patients worldwide."
Next-Generation GLP-1 Technology
Hebe Bio's approach to GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy represents a significant advancement in metabolic health therapeutics. The company's technology integrates cutting-edge science to optimize fat loss while maintaining muscle mass—a critical factor for long-term metabolic health that current therapies often fail to address.
Current GLP-1 RAs on the market, while effective for weight loss, are frequently associated with gastrointestinal side effects and may lead to loss of both fat and lean muscle mass. Hebe Bio's candidate aims to overcome these limitations through its novel formulation.
Preclinical data on Hebe Bio's lead molecules have demonstrated superior efficacy and tolerability profiles compared to existing therapies. These early results position the company's GLP-1 RA as a potential next-generation solution for sustainable, healthspan-extending weight loss therapy.
Addressing the Global Obesity Challenge
Obesity affects approximately 650 million adults worldwide and is associated with numerous comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. The economic burden of obesity-related healthcare costs exceeds $2 trillion annually, highlighting the urgent need for more effective and tolerable treatment options.
The GLP-1 RA market has seen explosive growth in recent years, with current therapies demonstrating unprecedented efficacy in weight management. However, significant unmet needs remain, particularly regarding side effect profiles, convenience of administration, and preservation of muscle mass during weight loss.
Hebe Bio's approach targets these specific challenges, potentially offering patients a more comprehensive solution for metabolic health that extends beyond simple weight reduction to focus on healthspan extension and quality of life improvements.
Company Background
Hebe Biotechnology is a Singapore-headquartered biopharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering next-generation therapies for metabolic and chronic diseases. By combining advanced research with strategic global partnerships, Hebe Bio is committed to delivering patient-centric solutions that address unmet medical needs.
The company's focus on metabolic health places it at the forefront of addressing one of the most significant global health challenges of the 21st century. With Dr. Hentze's appointment, Hebe Bio strengthens its leadership team as it advances its innovative pipeline toward clinical development.
