Fractyl Health has revealed preclinical results for its gene therapy candidate RJVA-002, designed to encode both GIP and GLP-1 under a human insulin promoter to promote nutrient-responsive, pancreatic expression. According to the company, a single administration in a diet-induced obesity mouse model with a humanized GIP receptor produced approximately 30% body weight loss over five weeks, and the weight loss trajectory had not yet plateaued.
In the same study, mid- and high-dose cohorts lost a mean of 18% and 29% of body weight by day 35, respectively. The company said no adverse effects were observed in treated animals. RJVA-002 is the second candidate in Fractyl’s Rejuva program, extending its platform into obesity beyond type 2 diabetes.
Fractyl Health claims the data support the potential for a durable, well-tolerated weight-loss effect from a single intervention, contrasting with chronic therapies. The company noted that longer-term metabolic data and extended readouts will be disclosed at an upcoming scientific congress.
The firm expects its earlier candidate, RJVA-001, to enter first-in-human trials in 2026 for patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes.
