- MDR-001 advanced from discovery to Phase III in a rapid 4.5 years, significantly outpacing traditional development timelines.
- Phase IIb results showed an average weight reduction of 10.3% by Week 24, with a best-in-class safety profile indicated by a 0.8% discontinuation rate due to treatment-emergent adverse events.
- MDR-001 features a distinct biased-selective mechanism offering metabolic advantages beyond weight loss.
HANGZHOU, China, Jan. 06, 2026 — MindRank, a clinical-stage drug discovery company powered by artificial intelligence (AI), today announced the commencement of “MOBILE,” a crucial Phase III clinical trial for its leading candidate, MDR-001. MDR-001 is a proprietary, orally administered GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) designed for chronic weight management, developed utilizing the company’s Molecule Pro™ AI platform.
This development represents a significant shift in pharmaceutical research and development, as MDR-001 is among the first AI-engineered molecules to reach Phase III, achieving this milestone in just 4.5 years, which underscores the effectiveness of MindRank’s proprietary discovery engine.
The Phase III MOBILE trial is under the leadership of Professor Linong Ji, Director of the Endocrinology and Metabolism department at Peking University People’s Hospital and the primary investigator for the MDR-001 clinical program.
“As a biased-selective GLP-1 receptor agonist, MDR-001 not only stimulates cAMP messenger release upon binding to the GLP-1 receptor but also selectively engages beta-arrestin 2,” stated Professor Linong Ji. “In the 24-week study, it demonstrated impressive weight loss efficacy alongside additional benefits in reducing uric acid levels and improving hepatic function markers. The MDR-001 group experienced a mean reduction in uric acid of 57.7 µmol/L, and hepatic function measures showed substantial improvement across the non-placebo participants. With no reported increase in heart rate throughout the trial, we anticipate further confirmation of these distinct advantages in the Phase III clinical study.”
“Advancing MDR-001 into Phase III validates our AI-first approach to drug discovery,” commented Zhangming Niu, Founder and CEO of MindRank. “By harnessing our AI computing engine, our team was able to identify a molecule with unique biological properties and a favorable safety profile more rapidly than conventional methods. Our current focus is on successfully conducting this pivotal trial to offer a convenient, oral weight-loss solution to patients worldwide.”
Phase III MOBILE Trial Design
The MOBILE study is designed as a pivotal trial, building upon positive Phase IIb data. It is expected to enroll approximately 750 participants in China who are overweight or obese, to assess the 52-week efficacy and safety of MDR-00.
Summary of Phase IIb Results (n=317):
- Significant Efficacy: Participants achieved an average weight reduction of 10.3% after 24 weeks of treatment.
- Favorable Safety Profile: Employing an 8-week rapid titration strategy, no serious adverse events (SAEs) related to the drug were observed.
- Low Discontinuation Rate: The rate of discontinuation due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was a mere 0.8%.
- Cardiometabolic Improvements: Enhancements were noted in hepatic function markers, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and HbA1c, along with a significant reduction in uric acid levels.
About MindRank
MindRank is a clinical-stage AI drug discovery company that leverages its proprietary platforms to accelerate the development of novel small molecule drugs. The company’s primary focus areas are high-impact targets in metabolic diseases and oncology.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the development of MDR-001. Actual outcomes may vary depending on clinical results and regulatory requirements. MindRank is not obligated to update these statements unless mandated by law.
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