HBM Holdings (HKG:2142) said its LET003 drug candidate was found to have a more favorable drug-profile in the body than several competing molecules, according to a Monday filing with the Hong Kong bourse.

According to preclinical data, the drug significantly enhanced fat reduction and preserved lean mass when combined with Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug semaglutide.

Specifically, in an obesity model using wild-type mice, the drug combo decreased fat mass by 76% compared with 34.7% for semaglutide alone.

The AI-enabled drug also promoted lean mass at lower doses, with effects comparable to those seen with higher doses of Novartis' bimagrumab, the firm said.