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Chinese AI-developed drug offers hope to sufferers of obesity and diabetes

  • Developed using artificial intelligence, the weight-loss and diabetes drug MDR-001 is currently in its phase 2 clinical trials
  • The use of AI in drug discovery is helping to keep costs down and speed up development times of new treatments

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An AI-developed drug could be a game-changer for sufferers of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Photo: Shutterstock
Zhang Tongin Beijing
With the help of artificial intelligence, Chinese scientists have found a new weight-loss drug. And it can also treat type 2 diabetes.
The medicine, developed by AI-powered drug discovery company MindRank, has now entered its phase 2 clinical trials.

According to the Hangzhou-based company, the drug should also be able to hit shelves much faster than usual.

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Called MDR-001, it works by binding to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1-R), a well-established drug target. By binding to this receptor, the drug stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, which helps to lower blood sugar levels and reduce weight.

In June, MDR-001 successfully completed phase 1 clinical trials, affirming its superior efficacy and safety. In early September, it began its phase 2 clinical trials, with participants receiving the drug in multiple doses.

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With more than 537 million adults worldwide living with diabetes and around 650 million people globally living with obesity, the development of this drug could see Chinese companies join international giants in competing for a multibillion-dollar market.
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