What You Should Know:
– Phenomix Sciences (Phenomix), a commercial precision obesity medicine biotechnology company, today announced the initiation of its first prospective, placebo-controlled clinical study.
– The research will evaluate the MyPhenome™ test’s ability to predict individual patient responses to semaglutide, a GLP-1-based therapy that has become a cornerstone in the treatment of obesity.
First Prospective Clinical Study of Semaglutide Using MyPhenome™ Test
This trial builds upon Phenomix’s robust foundation of research, which includes ongoing real-world clinical data collection and over a decade of scientific investigation led by the company’s co-founders, Mayo Clinic researchers Andres Acosta, M.D., Ph.D., and Michael Camilleri, M.D., D.Sc.
The ongoing study is actively enrolling patients and will assess the effectiveness of semaglutide in individuals with obesity who receive either a positive or negative MyPhenome test result for the “Hungry Gut” phenotype, characterized by abnormal satiety. Promising results from a previous retrospective study conducted at the Mayo Clinic indicated that patients identified as Hungry Gut positive by the MyPhenome test experienced nearly twice the weight loss on semaglutide compared to those who tested negative for this phenotype.
MyPhenome Genetic Obesity Test
The MyPhenome genetic obesity test offers a simple and non-invasive approach, utilizing a cheek swab to identify the underlying biological factors, or phenotypes, that contribute to an individual’s obesity. Healthcare providers can then leverage this valuable information to develop tailored treatment strategies, encompassing lifestyle and dietary modifications, as well as targeted medication and/or procedural recommendations.
The anticipated outcomes include improved patient response rates to GLP-1 therapies like semaglutide and a reduction in the unnecessary use of these medications.
“This first-in-human clinical study is another important step for Phenomix in advancing precision obesity treatment,” said Mark Bagnall, CEO of Phenomix Sciences. “As GLP-1 medications reshape obesity treatment, this study ensures they are used more effectively by matching patients to the right interventions based on their biology. Our goal is to support the broader adoption of precision obesity medicine across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and research.”
