Start of new trial of Setmelanotide in genetic obesity.

We are excited to announce that we have started treating patients with several genetic conditions which cause obesity, as part of a new trial called Daybreak. Following successful trials in three genetic obesity syndromes (POMC, PCSK1, LEPR), this new trial will test whether Setmelanotide, a Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist can lead to weight loss in people who carry variants in 31 different genes which impact on the MC4R pathway. DAYBREAK is a two-stage, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial sponsored by Rhythm Pharmaceuticals that will be conducted across 12 countries.

This development is particularly exciting for us as we discovered many of these genetic conditions in patients recruited to the GOOS cohort. It is thanks to our colleagues in many NHS Trusts, the work of our researchers and collaborators and most importantly, the patients and their families that we have arrived at this point. We are delighted to be the first site to start the trial globally and to be able to offer involvement in the trial to patients in the UK.