Eccogene Begins Phase 1b Trial of AZD5004/ECC5004 in China

BOSTON and SHANGHAI, June 18, 2025 - Eccogene, a biopharmaceutical firm operating at the clinical stage, has taken a significant step in the development of its therapeutic portfolio by dosing the first patient in a Phase 1b clinical trial in China for AZD5004/ECC5004. This trial is a pivotal point to meet the local regulatory standards, following an earlier Phase 1 trial conducted solely in the United States.

The investigational drug, AZD5004/ECC5004, is an oral small molecule designed as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, targeting the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity or overweight conditions with at least one additional health issue. Discovered by Eccogene, it has been globally licensed to AstraZeneca, while Eccogene retains rights for co-development and commercialization specifically within China.

Jingye Zhou, Eccogene's Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the importance of addressing the substantial unmet medical needs within China regarding type 2 diabetes and obesity. Zhou emphasized the collaboration with AstraZeneca in advancing AZD5004/ECC5004, aiming to introduce a user-friendly once-daily oral treatment without dietary limitations. Zhou remarked that this development enhances Eccogene’s reputation as a leader in innovative oral therapies for cardiometabolic diseases, which have vast commercial potential.

Sharon Barr, Executive Vice President of BioPharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, noted the commencement of the Phase 1b trial in China as a crucial phase in the expansive clinical development of AZD5004/ECC5004. Barr stressed the significance of tackling overweight and obesity, major contributors to cardiometabolic diseases. The aim is to position AZD5004/ECC5004 as a solution to these pressing public health challenges, both as a standalone treatment and in conjunction with other therapies.

AstraZeneca is actively engaged in two global Phase 2b multicenter trials, named VISTA (NCT06579092) and SOLSTICE (NCT06579105). These studies aim to assess the efficacy and safety of oral, once-daily administration of AZD5004/ECC5004 in individuals dealing with obesity or overweight conditions tied to other comorbidities and those with type 2 diabetes.

Eccogene operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focusing on next-generation oral small molecule therapeutics for chronic cardiometabolic and inflammatory disorders. Since its inception, Eccogene has dedicated efforts to develop safer, more effective oral treatments, either as standalone solutions or in synergy with GLP-1 receptor agonists, targeting beyond obesity. The company’s pipeline of small molecule candidates reflects its expertise in translational research and small molecule drug discovery, underpinned by a profound understanding of cardiometabolic diseases.