XLH01

XLH01 is an orally bioavailable, highly selective thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) agonist being developed for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Developed by the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) in collaboration with Shandong Runzhong Pharmaceutical and the Yantai Advanced Research Institute, XLH01 targets the THRβ isoform predominantly expressed in the liver. Activation of THRβ regulates hepatic lipid metabolism, promoting fatty acid oxidation and reducing lipotoxicity, which are key drivers of MASH progression. By selectively targeting the beta isoform over the alpha isoform (THRα), XLH01 aims to provide therapeutic efficacy in reducing liver fat and inflammation while minimizing systemic side effects such as cardiac and bone toxicity. As of early 2025, XLH01 is undergoing Phase I clinical evaluation in healthy subjects to assess its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile.