GC Wellbeing Licenses Raziel's Next-Generation Fat-Dissolving Injectable, Eyes Phase 3 Entry
核心洞察
GC Wellbeing (搜索) signed a license-in agreement with Raziel Therapeutics (搜索) for exclusive Korean rights to a next-generation localized fat-dissolving injectable.
Unlike existing treatments limited to submental fat, Raziel's candidate targets multiple body areas including abdomen, flanks, and upper arms with a single administration.
A U.S. Phase 2 trial confirmed efficacy and safety; Phase 3 is planned for later this year following FDA discussions on trial design.
GC Wellbeing (搜索) (GC Green Cross Wellbeing) announced Monday it has signed a license-in agreement with Israeli biotech company Raziel Therapeutics (搜索) to commercialize its next-generation localized fat-dissolving injectable treatment in Korea. Under the agreement, GC Wellbeing obtained exclusive rights to develop and market the candidate domestically, alongside making a strategic equity investment in Raziel to strengthen collaboration on both Korean and global commercialization efforts.
The deal comes as Raziel's investigational therapy is being prepared for a Phase 3 clinical trial in the United States, following completed discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the trial design. Raziel is targeting entry into FDA Phase 3 trials within the year and is also pursuing a NASDAQ listing as a key objective.
Differentiation from Existing Fat-Dissolving Injectables
Unlike conventional fat-dissolving injections, which are primarily used to reduce submental fat beneath the chin, Raziel's candidate is being developed to target localized fat in multiple body areas, including the abdomen, flanks, and upper arms. According to Raziel, the treatment is further differentiated by its potential to eliminate fat cells at the injection site with a single administration.
In a U.S. Phase 2 trial, the therapy demonstrated efficacy and safety in reducing submental and flank fat after a single treatment. Raziel is also currently conducting Phase 3 clinical trials in China for regulatory approval.
Market Context and GLP-1 Synergy
The companies expect strong market growth, driven in part by the expanding use of GLP-1 obesity (搜索) drugs. As the GLP-1 class obesity treatment market has grown, demand has increased for body contouring following weight loss. The company noted that this candidate could target the local body contouring market, which GLP-1 treatments have difficulty addressing directly.
The global body-contouring market is projected to grow from about 3 trillion won ($1.9 billion) in 2025 to around 10 trillion won by 2034, as demand for post-weight-loss body-shaping procedures rises.
Strategic Positioning
The deal is expected to strengthen GC Wellbeing (搜索)'s aesthetics business alongside its portfolio of non-reimbursed pharmaceuticals and its distribution of Mounjaro, a GLP-1 obesity (搜索) treatment. GC Wellbeing CEO Kim Sang-hyun stated, "While strengthening our competitiveness in the rapidly expanding body contouring market, we plan to accelerate domestic clinical development and regulatory approval in line with the global development schedule."
The strategic equity investment in Raziel Therapeutics (搜索) goes beyond securing domestic distribution rights, according to the company, and is aimed at exploring future global business collaboration opportunities.