South Korea-based OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a developer of RNAi therapeutics, entered a global licensing agreement with Eli Lilly and Co. focused on the development and commercialization of OliX’s OLX75016, a Phase 1 candidate primarily targeting metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and other cardiometabolic indications. OliX will receive an initial payment from Lilly to complete the Phase 1 clinical trial, currently underway in Australia.

OLX75016 derives from a target discovered through a genome-wide association study (GWAS), a research approach for identifying genomic variants in large populations. In preclinical studies, OliX has demonstrated the efficacy of OLX75016 in addressing both MASH and liver fibrosis, as well as other cardiometabolic indications. OliX is currently developing OLX75016 as a novel therapeutic in treating MASH accompanied by liver fibrosis, and other cardiometabolic indications.

Dong Ki Lee, Ph.D., CEO of OliX Pharmaceuticals, said, “This collaboration with Lilly marks a significant step forward for OLX75016’s development and its potential to improve treatment outcomes for a range of metabolic conditions – MASH and other cardiometabolic indications. Partnering with an industry leader like Lilly enables us to advance innovative solutions that address medical needs with a strong focus on both efficacy and safety. Together, we aim to develop therapies that offer meaningful benefits for patients and drive progress in metabolic health.”