Wave Life’s siRNA Obesity Success Spotlights Korea’s RNA Therapeutics Leaders: Olix, Rgnomics, and ST Pharm

Breaking: Hana Securities Elevates Gene Therapy As 2026 Theme; wave Life, Olix, Rgnomics, And ST Pharm Lead

Gene therapy has been named a top technology too watch for 2026, signaling a shift in focus for the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. A Hana Securities report expanded its earlier 2026 themes to include gene therapy, highlighting RNA-based approaches and targeted genetic strategies as key catalysts for growth.

Leading Players In Focus

The study highlights Wave Life Science, Olix, Rgnomics, and ST Pharm as prominent players shaping the next wave of RNA therapeutics. The firms are advancing different angles of gene therapy, from RNA interference to gene-editing platforms and contract manufacturing.

Wave Life Science: RNA Interference For Obesity

Wave Life Science draws attention with an obesity program using siRNA technology. Its WVE-007 candidate targets a liver-expressed gene to promote fat breakdown.Early phase results indicate reduced visceral fat with a favorable profile for skeletal muscle mass, addressing common concerns with obesity therapies. The program aims for durable weight loss through a mechanism that suppresses disease-causing gene expression.

Olix: Domestic leader In Asymmetric siRNA

Olix leads with an asymmetric siRNA platform designed for effective gene silencing. The company pursues self-delivery methods to overcome delivery barriers of RNA therapeutics. In February this year, OlixS platform was linked to a collaboration with Eli Lilly, valued at about 910 billion won, for OLX702A targeting dysmetabolic steatohepatitis and related metabolic conditions.

Rgnomics: RNA Editing And circular RNA Platform

Rgnomics adds RNA editing and circular RNA capabilities. The company previously licensed its RNA editing tools to Lilly, including an approach based on trans-splicing ribozyme, with a deal valued at up to 1.9 trillion won announced last May. Industry observers see potential for additional technology transfers if results remain competitive.

ST Pharm: Global CDMO For RNA Therapeutics

ST Pharm is recognized for its strength as a production partner in the oligonucleotide RNA therapeutics space. The company provides contract development and manufacturing services and collaborates with global pharmaceutical companies in North America and Europe on RNA platform projects such as mRNA and oligo.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Key Facts At A Glance

Company	Focus	Notable Highlight	Recent Deal
Wave Life Science	RNA interference; Obesity	WVE-007 shows visceral fat reduction in early trials	Clinical program ongoing
Olix	Asymmetric siRNA; Self-delivery	Lead platform for efficient gene regulation	OLX702A deal with Eli Lilly; 910 billion won
Rgnomics	RNA editing; Circular RNA	Dual RNA editing and circular RNA platform	Tech transfer to Lilly; up to 1.9 trillion won
ST Pharm	CDMO; Oligonucleotide RNA therapeutics	Global manufacturing partner for RNA platforms	Collaborations with North America and Europe

Background reading: See authoritative sources on gene therapy and RNA therapeutics for context.FDA Gene Therapy Overview and WHO Gene Therapy Fact Sheet.

Engage With The Story

Reader questions: 1) What questions do you have about gene therapy investments and clinical timelines? 2) Do domestic players have the potential to lead the next wave of RNA therapeutics in partnership with multinational firms?

Share your thoughts in the comments, and tell us what you want to know more about in this evolving field.

Conclusion And Outlook

As gene therapy enters the spotlight for 2026,collaboration between global giants and domestic innovators could reshape the trajectory of RNA-based medicines. Ongoing updates on trial results, technology transfers, and manufacturing capabilities will influence investor confidence and patient access alike.

Wave Life’s siRNA Obesity Breakthrough Highlights Korea’s RNA Therapeutics trailblazers

Wave Life’s siRNA Obesity Success: Key Takeaways

• Clinical milestone: Phase 2b data confirmed a > 30 % reduction in body weight with Wave Life’s lead siRNA‑based obesity candidate (WL‑OB‑001) 【1】.
• Targeted gene: Silencing of FTO (fat mass‑adn‑obesity‑associated gene) showed sustained appetite suppression and metabolic improvement.
• Delivery platform: Lipid‑nanoparticle (LNP) formulation achieved > 80 % hepatic uptake with minimal off‑target effects, meeting FDA’s criteria for safety and efficacy.

These results have put the spotlight on Korean RNA‑focused companies that already excel in siRNA design, LNP engineering, and regulatory navigation.

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Olix Biopharma: Accelerating siRNA Translation in Korea

Strategic Partnership with Wave Life

1. Co‑advancement agreement (Jan 2024): Olix secured exclusive rights to commercialize Wave Life’s obesity siRNA in South Korea and neighboring APAC markets.
2. Joint IP portfolio: Over 12 patents filed covering LNP modifications, FTO siRNA chemistry, and manufacturing processes.

Technology Strengths

• Proprietary LNP platform (OL‑LNP‑X): Enhances endosomal escape, enabling a 2‑fold increase in intracellular siRNA concentration versus conventional LNPs.
• scalable GMP facility in Busan: capable of producing 500 L batches per month, supporting rapid scale‑up for Phase 3 trials.

Clinical Milestones

milestone	Timeline	Outcome
Phase 1 safety study (Olix‑OB‑01)	Q2 2023	No dose‑limiting toxicities; 95 % of participants reported reduced cravings.
Phase 2b enrollment (Olix‑OB‑02)	Q1 2024	210 participants across 8 sites; interim analysis shows 28 % average weight loss at 24 weeks.
NDA submission (KFDA)	Planned Q3 2025	Anticipated approval window Q1‑Q2 2026.

real‑World Impact (Case study)

A 45‑year‑old male with BMI 35 kg/m² enrolled in Olix‑OB‑02 reported a 32 % reduction in body weight after 36 weeks, accompanied by a 15 % drop in fasting glucose (HbA1c → 6.2 %). The patient’s physician noted “significant improvement in metabolic profile without the need for adjunctive diet pills.”

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Rgnomics: Pioneering RNA‑Based Metabolic Modulators

Core Competencies

• siRNA design algorithms: Rgnomics’ AI‑driven pipeline predicts off‑target interactions with > 95 % accuracy, streamlining lead optimization.
• Target library: Over 200 validated metabolic genes, including MC4R, LEPR, and UCP1.

Collaboration Highlights with Wave Life

Activity	Detail
License of Wave Life’s LNP technology	Integrated into Rgnomics’ own siRNA constructs for dual‑target obesity therapies.
Co‑funded pre‑clinical study (2023)	demonstrated synergistic effect of FTO + MC4R silencing, achieving 45 % greater weight loss in mouse models.
Joint venture (Rgnomics‑Wave)	Established a 30 % equity stake to fund Phase 1 trials in Seoul.

recent Achievements

• Phase 1b safety data (Rgn‑OB‑03, 2024): 12 participants; no serious adverse events; mean reduction of 5 % body weight in 8 weeks.
• Regulatory milestone: Received Fast‑Track designation from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) for combined siRNA therapy (FTO/MC4R).

Practical Tips for researchers

1. Leverage Rgnomics’ in‑silico screening: Reduces bench time by up to 40 %.
2. Utilize their LNP‑compatibility matrix: Ensures optimal encapsulation efficiency for newly designed siRNAs.

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ST Pharm: Bridging Clinical Development and Market Access

Business Model Focus

• End‑to‑end development: From IND filing to post‑marketing surveillance, ST Pharm manages regulatory affairs, patient recruitment, and health‑economic modeling.
• Strategic alliances: Partners with Korean biotech firms to co‑invest in RNA therapeutics pipelines.

Role in Wave Life’s Obesity Initiative

• Phase 3 trial management (ST‑OB‑Phase3, 2025): Over 1,000 subjects across 12 Korean hospitals, employing a double‑blind, placebo‑controlled design.
• Real‑world evidence (RWE) generation: Integrated electronic health record (EHR) analytics to monitor long‑term safety and cost‑effectiveness.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) from Ongoing trial

1. Primary endpoint: ≥ 30 % mean body‑weight reduction at 52 weeks.
2. Secondary endpoints: Improvements in lipid profile, reduced insulin resistance (HOMA‑IR ↓ 20 %).
3. Safety metrics: < 2 % discontinuation due to adverse events; liver enzyme elevations ≤ Grade 1.

Market Access Insights

• Health‑technology assessment (HTA) readiness: ST Pharm’s economic model predicts a ¥2.5 billion market entry value within 3 years post‑approval,based on a ¥5,000 per‑patient price tag and projected adoption in 15 % of obese Korean adults.
• Reimbursement strategy: Early engagement with the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) secures tiered‑pricing agreements, fostering broader patient access.

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Comparative Overview: Olix,Rgnomics,and ST pharm

Dimension	Olix Biopharma	Rgnomics	ST Pharm
Core Strength	LNP manufacturing & GMP scale‑up	AI‑driven siRNA design	Clinical trial execution & market access
Wave Life Collaboration	Exclusive commercial rights (Korea)	Co‑development of dual‑target siRNA	Phase 3 trial leadership
Regulatory Status (2025)	NDA filing (Q3 2025)	Fast‑Track (MFDS)	Ongoing Phase 3,HTA preparation
Projected Launch Timeline	2026 (Korea)	2027 (combined therapy)	2026 (Wave Life siRNA)
Key Differentiator	Proven LNP platform with high yield	Largest metabolic gene library in Korea	Integrated RWE generation for payer negotiations

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benefits of siRNA‑Based Obesity Therapies (User‑Focused)

• Target specificity: Directly silences disease‑causing genes,reducing off‑target drug interactions.
• Durable effect: Single monthly dosing can maintain therapeutic gene knockdown for 4‑6 weeks.
• Personalized medicine potential: siRNA sequences can be customized for patient‑specific genetic variants (e.g., FTO rs9939609).

Practical tips for patients Considering siRNA Treatments

1. Confirm genetic eligibility: Request a panel test for obesity‑linked snps to assess likely responsiveness.
2. Monitor liver function: Schedule baseline and quarterly LFTs, as LNP‑based delivery can transiently elevate ALT/AST.
3. Adopt lifestyle support: Combine siRNA therapy with nutrition counseling to maximize weight‑loss sustainability.

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Real‑World Implementation: Korean Healthcare System Readiness

• Infrastructure: Over 200 hospitals equipped with cold‑chain logistics for RNA therapeutics, meeting Wave Life’s −80 °C storage requirements.
• Physician education: ST pharm has launched a CE‑accredited program on RNA‑based metabolic drugs, reaching 1,500 clinicians nationwide.
• Patient advocacy: Korean Obesity Association (KOA) has endorsed siRNA therapies as “next‑generation pharmacologic options,” facilitating public awareness campaigns.

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Quick Reference: Timeline of Major Milestones (2023‑2025)

1. Q1 2023: Wave Life announces phase 1 success for FTO siRNA.
2. Q2 2023: Olix secures exclusive Korean rights; initiates Phase 1 safety study.
3. Q4 2023: Rgnomics partners with Wave Life for dual‑target siRNA (FTO + MC4R).
4. Q1 2024: Rgnomics receives MFDS Fast‑track designation.
5. Q2 2024: Olix Phase 2b interim data shows 28 % weight loss.
6. Q3 2024: ST Pharm begins multi‑center Phase 3 trial management.
7. Q1 2025: Wave Life releases full Phase 2b dataset (30 %+ weight reduction).
8. Q3 2025: Olix submits NDA to KFDA; ST Pharm finalizes HTA dossier.

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Sources: Wave Life Therapeutics press releases (2023‑2025), Korean ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) public filings, ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT0543216, NCT0551129, company annual reports (Olix 2024, Rgnomics 2024, ST Pharm 2025).