MindRank Advances AI-Designed Weight-Loss Therapy to Phase 3 Trials
Hangzhou-based biotech start-up MindRank has entered Phase 3 clinical trials with its lead weight-loss therapy, marking a major milestone for artificial intelligence–assisted pharmaceutical innovation in China.
The company announced that its candidate, MDR-001, has officially begun late-stage clinical testing in China. The treatment is described as the country’s first AI-assisted Category 1 new therapy to reach Phase 3, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in accelerating biomedical research.
AI-Powered GLP-1 Therapy Reaches Late-Stage Testing
MDR-001 is a small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of treatments that mimics natural hormones involved in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. GLP-1-based therapies have gained global attention for their effectiveness in weight management and metabolic health.
MindRank founder and chief executive Niu Zhangming said the company aims to complete Phase 3 trials and seek regulatory approval in the second half of 2028, with a potential market launch planned for 2029, pending review outcomes.
AI Cuts Development Time and Costs
According to Niu, MDR-001 reached Phase 3 in about four and a half years, significantly faster than the seven to 10 years typically required to reach the same stage using traditional development methods.
He attributed this acceleration to MindRank’s proprietary AI platform, which has reduced overall research and development costs by at least 60 per cent.
How MindRank Uses AI in Therapy Design
The company’s approach combines human expertise with artificial intelligence. Researchers first identify a biological target—often a protein linked to a specific condition—then use AI models to rapidly generate and evaluate potential treatment candidates.
This process allows scientists to efficiently shortlist the most promising options, improving both speed and precision in therapy discovery.
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