YH34160

YH34160 is a long-acting recombinant fusion protein being developed by Yuhan Corporation for the treatment of obesity. It consists of an engineered variant of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) fused to an immunoglobulin Fc fragment to extend its circulating half-life and enhance functional activity. YH34160 acts as an agonist for the GDNF family receptor alpha-like (GFRAL), which is primarily expressed in the hindbrain. Activation of this pathway suppresses appetite and induces weight loss through a mechanism distinct from the GLP-1 pathway. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant weight reduction and synergistic effects when combined with GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, while potentially avoiding the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with the GLP-1 class.