IROS, an Abu Dhabi-based contract research organisation that is part of the M42 group, is collaborating with Utah, US-based Halia Therapeutics, a global clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, to conduct a clinical trial focused on treating obesity.
The clinical trial will explore a promising new therapy for obesity, specifically designed to address the chronic complex disease and further medical knowledge to provide a deeper understanding of the critical factors for effective obesity management in a global population.
It will be conducted in two phases over approximately six months and involve 60 patients with type 2 diabetes classified as either obese or overweight.
The study will begin with a safety assessment and evaluation of how the body processes the treatment. This will be followed by a phase where some participants receive the active treatment while others receive a placebo.
Islam ElTantawy, General Manager of IROS, commented: “IROS is committed to developing innovative therapies for unmet medical needs. Our partnership with Halia addresses a critical public health issue with the potential to improve the lives of millions struggling with obesity.
“This collaboration is a testament to IROS’s capabilities in conducting studies of international standards and aligns with our plan for global expansion through partnerships with organisations such as Halia Therapeutics. It also demonstrates the UAE’s capability in conducting cutting-edge clinical research.”
Global obesity crisis
According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), 2.5 billion adults in the world aged 18 years and older are overweight, including over 890 million adults living with obesity.
The numbers are even more concerning in the UAE, where an International Diabetes Federation (IDF) study showed that approximately one-third of adults are obese and the country has one of the highest occurrences of type 2 diabetes of nearly 20 per cent in some parts, more than double the global average.
Halia Therapeutics is pioneering a new approach to obesity treatment with HT-6184, a therapy that targets the NLRP3 inflammasome – a key driver of inflammation in metabolic diseases. By inhibiting NLRP3 activity, HT-6184 may reduce inflammation, addressing metabolic disturbances central to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
It was not disclosed whether the trial would be for HT-6184 or any other new treatment that has been developed by Halia Therapeutics.
Dr David Bearss, CEO of Halia Therapeutics, added: “Obesity is a significant health challenge affecting millions globally, and the Middle East is no exception. Through this study, we aim to contribute to global efforts to combat this epidemic by developing new and effective treatments.
“Our collaboration with IROS positions us to make significant strides in understanding and treating chronic diseases at their source.
“This study aligns with the region’s focus on advancing healthcare through innovation. We are dedicated to bringing forward solutions that can lead to future research collaborations.”
The success of this trial could enhance treatment options for obesity, both in the UAE and worldwide. Trial results will be closely monitored with updates provided as the study progresses.
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