NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 15, 2026
Kalohexis, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for metabolic diseases, has unveiled new preclinical obesity research at the International Congress on Obesity (ICO) 2026 in Mexico City. The company presented data demonstrating that dual activation of melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) produced significant weight loss, limited weight regain, and preserved lean muscle mass in obese nonhuman primates. The findings further strengthen the scientific rationale for 710GO, Kalohexis’ novel oral dual MC3R/MC4R agonist, which is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial as a potentially healthier and more durable treatment for general obesity. The presentation underscores growing interest in next-generation obesity therapies capable of delivering sustained metabolic benefits while minimizing the muscle loss commonly associated with traditional weight-loss treatments.
Dual MC3R and MC4R Activation Demonstrates Promising Weight-Loss Benefits
The research presented at ICO 2026 highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting both MC3R and MC4R, two receptors that play central roles in regulating metabolic homeostasis, energy balance, and body weight. In obese nonhuman primates, activation of these receptors resulted in meaningful and sustained weight reduction, while significantly limiting the degree of weight rebound often observed after treatment discontinuation. Importantly, the study demonstrated preservation of lean body mass, a key objective for modern obesity therapies seeking to improve overall metabolic health rather than simply reducing body weight. By maintaining muscle while promoting fat loss, dual receptor activation may offer patients improved long-term health outcomes and better physical function compared with existing treatment approaches. The data build upon findings previously presented at ENDO 2026, providing additional evidence supporting this novel therapeutic mechanism.
710GO Advances as a Next-Generation Oral Obesity Therapy
Kalohexis’ lead investigational candidate, 710GO, is designed as an oral dual MC3R/MC4R agonist capable of simultaneously activating complementary metabolic pathways involved in appetite regulation, energy expenditure, and body composition. Unlike many currently available obesity medications that primarily focus on weight reduction, 710GO is being developed to promote higher-quality weight loss by preserving lean muscle while reducing excess fat mass and minimizing post-treatment weight regain. The investigational therapy is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial, where researchers are assessing its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and early clinical activity. If clinical outcomes continue to mirror the encouraging preclinical findings, 710GO could emerge as a differentiated treatment option addressing important unmet needs in obesity management through a healthier and potentially more durable therapeutic approach.
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Expanding Innovation Across Metabolic Disease and Cachexia
Founded as a spinout from Endevica Bio, Kalohexis is building a pipeline of therapies targeting the melanocortin system, the body’s natural regulator of metabolism and energy balance. In addition to advancing 710GO for obesity, the company is also developing mifomelatide, a dual MC3R/MC4R antagonist intended to treat cancer cachexia, a serious metabolic condition characterized by severe muscle wasting in patients with advanced cancers. Together, these programs reflect Kalohexis’ broader strategy of developing innovative therapeutics that restore metabolic balance across multiple disease settings. The positive preclinical results presented at ICO 2026 further validate the company’s receptor-targeting platform and reinforce confidence in the clinical potential of melanocortin-based therapies. As obesity continues to represent one of the world’s fastest-growing public health challenges, Kalohexis’ research highlights a promising new direction for delivering durable weight loss, lean mass preservation, and improved long-term metabolic health through precision-targeted biotechnology.
Source: Kalohexis press release
