小核酸“高质量减重”数据超预期，重塑减重治疗范式——科创创新药ETF（589720）大涨4.06%点评

Core Viewpoint - The pharmaceutical sector, particularly in innovative drugs, is experiencing a surge driven by significant clinical data in the small RNA weight loss field, leading to a notable increase in the STAR Market's innovative drug index and the corresponding ETF [1][3]. Group 1: Small RNA Weight Loss Data - Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals presented mid-stage data from its two small RNA weight loss projects, ARO-INHBE and ARO-ALK7, indicating a new paradigm in "high-quality weight loss" that focuses on visceral fat reduction rather than just weight loss [3][4]. - ARO-INHBE demonstrated a 9.4% weight loss in type 2 diabetes patients when combined with tirzepatide, significantly outperforming tirzepatide alone, which achieved a 4.8% reduction. Key metrics showed visceral fat reduction of 23.2%, total fat reduction of 15.4%, and liver fat reduction of 76.7%, approximately three times better than monotherapy [3][4]. - ARO-ALK7, the first RNAi therapy to validate fat cell gene knockdown effects in humans, achieved an average knockdown of 88% of ALK7 mRNA, with a maximum of 94%. After eight weeks of a single dose, visceral fat decreased by 14.1%, confirming the feasibility of targeting fat cell metabolic pathways [3][4]. Group 2: Significance of Visceral Fat Reduction - The ultimate goal of weight loss treatment is not merely the reduction of weight but the improvement of long-term cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic outcomes. Visceral fat, despite its low absolute quantity, is crucial as it surrounds vital organs and is linked to insulin resistance, fatty liver, and cardiovascular diseases [4]. - Effective reduction of visceral fat could significantly enhance metabolic status and lower the risk of long-term cardiovascular and renal events, providing higher clinical value for managing diabetes, obesity, and related complications [4]. Group 3: Synergy of Small RNA and GLP-1 - Current GLP-1 drugs are foundational in weight loss treatment but have unmet needs regarding visceral fat improvement, muscle loss, and rebound weight gain. The data suggests that small RNA drugs could complement fat metabolism pathways, enhancing the quality of weight loss rather than just the quantity [5]. - This validation of the synergistic logic between small RNA and GLP-1 strengthens market perception of the long-term value of the small RNA technology platform, leading to increased investment in high-research, innovative assets within the STAR Market [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The year 2026 is anticipated to be pivotal for small RNA drugs, with significant growth and validation expected, including commercial progress for Plozasiran and larger sample data readouts for ARO-INHBE and ARO-ALK7 [6]. - The capital market may see small RNA companies listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange, further enhancing market focus on this niche sector as overseas RNAi technology matures and domestic pipelines advance [6]. Group 5: Investment Opportunities - Following a period of adjustment, the innovative drug sector's overall valuation has returned to historically low levels. With the upcoming release of high-quality data and international conference catalysts, funds may begin reallocating towards high-elasticity sectors with medium to long-term industrial logic [7]. - Investors are encouraged to monitor developments in high-quality clinical data and international business development progress, which could drive further capital back into the innovative drug sector, potentially leading to a phase of upward trends [8].