APJ Oral

APJ Oral is an investigational, once-daily oral small molecule agonist of the apelin receptor (APJ) being developed by BioAge Labs for the treatment of obesity. Functioning as an 'exercise mimetic,' the compound activates the apelin signaling pathway—an exercise-induced system that naturally mediates the metabolic and muscular benefits of physical activity. In preclinical studies, APJ agonists have demonstrated the ability to significantly enhance weight loss (approximately doubling the effect) when combined with GLP-1 receptor agonists (incretin therapies), while simultaneously improving body composition and muscle function. This program focuses on a next-generation series of oral small molecules with optimized potency and drug-like properties, distinct from the company's lead candidate azelaprag. BioAge intends to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a candidate from this program in 2026.

Other names

Next-generation oral APJ agonistBioAge oral APJ agonist