By Connor Hart

Shares of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals climbed after the company's investigational treatment for acquired hypothalamic obesity achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in body mass index for patients in a recent study.

Acquired hypothalamic obesity is a rare form of obesity caused by damage to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates appetite and metabolism.

The stock was trading 24% higher, at $80.86, after Wednesday's opening bell, extending its nearly 80% gain over the past year.

David Meeker, chief executive of the Boston-based biopharmaceutical company, said results of the Phase 2 trial suggest that the treatment, bivamelagon, has the potential to treat patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity, and the trial has established an appropriate dose range for future clinical evaluation.

"We look forward to engaging with U.S. and European regulatory authorities to seek alignment on a Phase 3 trial design as we continue advancing bivamelagon," he added.

Rhythm said results of the recent trial were also consistent with BMI reductions achieved with setmelanotide therapy in similar patient populations in past trials. Setmelanotide, an existing medication sold under the brand name Imcivree, is used to treat genetic obesity.

Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 09, 2025 09:49 ET (13:49 GMT)

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