SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sagimet Biosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics targeting dysfunctional metabolic and fibrotic pathways, today announced that management will participate in the 8th Annual Evercore ISI Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Coral Gables, Florida, with a fireside chat at 12:55pm ET (link here). A webcast of the fireside chat will be available in the Investors & Media section ...

Core Insights - Sagimet Biosciences is advancing its clinical trials for denifanstat and TVB-3567, targeting metabolic dysfunction and acne treatment, respectively [1][2][5] Clinical Development - A Phase 1 pharmacokinetic trial for the combination of denifanstat and resmetirom is ongoing, with data readout expected in the first half of 2026 [1][11] - The trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and potential drug-drug interactions of the combination in approximately 40 healthy adult participants [5] - Sagimet has initiated a Phase 1 trial for TVB-3567, another FASN inhibitor, aimed at treating acne [2][5] Corporate Updates - Ascletis Pharma has completed its pre-New Drug Application consultation with China's NMPA for denifanstat, planning to submit an NDA for moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris treatment [1][5] - Recent promotions within the company include Marie O'Farrell as Chief Scientific Officer and Liz Rozek as Chief Legal & Administrative Officer [5] Financial Performance - As of September 30, 2025, the company reported cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $125.5 million [11] - Research and development expenses for the third quarter of 2025 were $9.7 million, a decrease from $12.7 million in the same period of 2024 [11] - The net loss for the third quarter of 2025 was $12.9 million, compared to a net loss of $14.6 million in the third quarter of 2024 [11][17] Market Context - MASH (metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis) affects over 265 million people globally, with limited approved treatments for non-cirrhotic stages [9] - The U.S. acne market includes over 50 million individuals, with a significant need for effective chronic management options [10]

Summary of Sagimet Biosciences FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Sagimet Biosciences (NasdaqGM:SGMT) - **Industry**: Biopharmaceuticals, specifically focused on fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors - **Key Product**: Denifanstat, a novel FASN inhibitor targeting conditions like MASH and acne [3][4] Core Points and Arguments Product Development and Clinical Trials - **Denifanstat**: A once-daily oral small molecule aimed at reducing fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in diseases dependent on FASN [4] - **MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease)**: - Phase IIb study showed significant reductions in fat, inflammation, and fibrosis, particularly in F3 stage patients [5] - Patients were less than half as likely to progress to cirrhosis, indicating strong efficacy [5] - Phase I study in combination with resmetirom is ongoing, with results expected in the first half of next year [6][7] - **Acne Treatment**: - Partnered with Ascletis in China, showing 20% reduction in lesion count in moderate to severe acne patients [10] - Phase I study for a next-gen FASN inhibitor (TVB-3567) has commenced, with plans for a Phase II program in 2026 [11][22] Market Potential - **MASH Market**: Expected to triple or quadruple in size over the next decade, potentially becoming a cardiometabolic blockbuster market [26] - **Acne Market**: Approximately 50 million patients in the U.S. have acne, with 10-20% suffering from moderate to severe cases [27] - **Treatment Landscape**: Denifanstat is positioned as a unique fat inhibitor, complementing existing fat-burning therapies [26][28] Safety and Tolerability - Denifanstat has been evaluated in over 1,000 patients with no significant drug-induced liver injury or cardiovascular issues reported [14][15] - The safety profile is favorable, with only 7% of patients discontinuing due to treatment-related hair thinning, which is comparable to other treatments [16][18] Additional Important Information - **Combination Therapy**: The combination of denifanstat with resmetirom is expected to enhance treatment efficacy for cirrhosis patients [12][13] - **Regulatory Engagement**: Ascletis is preparing to submit data for approval to the NMPA in China [10] - **Future Milestones**: Focus on completing ongoing studies and initiating new ones for both MASH and acne treatments [24][25] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the Sagimet Biosciences FY Conference Call, highlighting the company's strategic focus on innovative treatments for MASH and acne, alongside their market potential and safety profile.

Core Insights - Sagimet Biosciences Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics targeting dysfunctional metabolic and fibrotic pathways [1][3] - The company will participate in three upcoming investor conferences, providing opportunities for engagement with investors [1][4] Company Overview - Sagimet is developing fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors aimed at treating diseases caused by the overproduction of palmitate [3] - The lead drug candidate, denifanstat, is an oral, once-daily selective FASN inhibitor for metabolic dysfunction associated with steatohepatitis (MASH) [3] - Denifanstat has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for treating non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis [3] - The FASCINATE-2 Phase 2b clinical trial of denifanstat has been successfully completed with positive results [3] - Sagimet has initiated a Phase 1 pharmacokinetic clinical trial combining denifanstat with resmetirom for MASH patients [3] - A Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial for another FASN inhibitor, TVB-3567, has also been initiated, targeting acne treatment in the U.S. [3] Upcoming Events - The company will participate in the H.C. Wainwright Liver Disease Virtual Conference on October 21-22, 2025, with a fireside chat starting on October 21 at 7am ET [4] - Sagimet will also be present at the Guggenheim Annual Healthcare Innovation Conference in Boston, MA, on November 10, 2025, with a fireside chat at 11:30am ET [4] - Additionally, the company will attend the UBS Global Healthcare Conference in Palm Beach, FL, on November 11, 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Sagimet Biosciences Inc. announced positive results from the Phase 2b FASCINATE-2 study, showing that denifanstat improved fibrosis in patients with advanced fibrosis, to be presented at AASLD 2025 [1][2] Company Overview - Sagimet Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors targeting metabolic and fibrotic pathways [3] - The lead drug candidate, denifanstat, is an oral, once-daily selective FASN inhibitor aimed at treating metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) [3] - Denifanstat has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for treating non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis [3] Clinical Study Details - The FASCINATE-2 study demonstrated a significant ≥2-stage improvement in fibrosis in F3 MASH patients [2] - The analysis utilized AI-based digital pathology to identify a subgroup of MASH patients with advanced baseline fibrosis (qF4), showing denifanstat's effectiveness in reducing fibrosis and improving non-invasive test biomarkers [2] Disease Context - MASH is a severe liver disease affecting over 265 million people globally, characterized by fat accumulation in the liver, inflammation, and fibrosis [4] - Patients with advanced fibrosis (F3) or cirrhosis (F4) face the highest risk of severe liver-related outcomes [4] - There are limited approved treatments for non-cirrhotic MASH and none for MASH cirrhosis [4]

Core Insights - Sagimet Biosciences Inc. has initiated a Phase 1 pharmacokinetic trial for a combination therapy involving denifanstat and resmetirom, targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) [1][3] - Topline data from this trial is expected in the first half of 2026, which may lead to further development into Phase 2 if results are positive [1][5] Company Overview - Sagimet is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors to address metabolic and fibrotic diseases, particularly MASH [4] - Denifanstat, the lead candidate, is an oral, once-daily selective FASN inhibitor that has shown promise in previous clinical trials, including a successful Phase 2b trial [4] Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 1 trial is an open-label, 2-cohort study enrolling approximately 40 healthy adults, aimed at evaluating pharmacokinetics, drug-drug interactions, safety, and tolerability [2][5] - The trial's results will inform optimal dosing for a subsequent Phase 2 proof-of-concept efficacy trial in F4 MASH patients [2] Scientific Insights - The combination of denifanstat and resmetirom is expected to have synergistic effects, potentially improving clinical outcomes for patients with liver cirrhosis [3] - Preclinical data presented at EASL 2024 indicated that the combination therapy improved liver disease markers more effectively than single agents [3] Market Context - MASH is a severe liver disease affecting over 265 million people globally, characterized by fat accumulation in the liver and associated complications [7] - There are currently no approved treatments for MASH cirrhosis (F4), highlighting a significant unmet medical need in this patient population [7]

Core Insights - Sagimet Biosciences has made significant progress in developing therapeutics for metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and acne, with denifanstat meeting all primary and secondary endpoints in a Phase 3 clinical trial in China [2][5] - The company has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for TVB-3567, a new FASN inhibitor for acne treatment in the U.S., and plans to evaluate a combination of denifanstat and resmetirom in a Phase 1 trial in late 2025 [2][11] Recent Corporate Highlights - Denifanstat's Phase 3 trial in China involved 480 patients and demonstrated a treatment success rate of 33.2% compared to 14.6% for placebo, with significant reductions in total lesion count and inflammatory lesions [5] - The Phase 1 trial for TVB-3567 is designed to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in healthy participants, including those with acne [4][11] Financial Results - As of June 30, 2025, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $135.5 million, with research and development expenses of $7.2 million for the quarter, up from $6.3 million in the same period in 2024 [11][12] - The net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $10.4 million, compared to $8.1 million for the same period in 2024 [11][12] Industry Context - Acne affects over 50 million people annually in the U.S., and there has been limited innovation in treatment options over the past 40 years, highlighting the potential market opportunity for new therapies like denifanstat [4][14] - MASH is a progressive liver disease impacting over 115 million people globally, with only one recently approved treatment in the U.S., indicating a significant unmet medical need [13]

Core Viewpoint - Sagimet Biosciences Inc. is advancing its clinical-stage biopharmaceutical development, focusing on novel therapeutics for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) through a combination therapy approach involving denifanstat and resmetirom [1][2][3] Company Overview - Sagimet Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors targeting metabolic and fibrotic pathways [6][7] - The lead product candidate, denifanstat, is an oral, once-daily selective FASN inhibitor aimed at treating MASH, which has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis [7] Upcoming Event - A virtual key opinion leader (KOL) event is scheduled for May 29, 2025, featuring Dr. Rohit Loomba, who will discuss the potential of combining denifanstat with resmetirom for treating advanced MASH [1][2] - The event will include an overview of the planned Phase 1 pharmacokinetic clinical trial for the combination therapy and a live Q&A session [3][4] Clinical Development - The development program builds on positive results from the Phase 2b FASCINATE-2 clinical trial of denifanstat in MASH F2-F3 patients, particularly those at the advanced F3 stage [2][3] - Preclinical data indicate a synergistic effect of combining a FASN inhibitor with resmetirom on liver disease markers, showing improved NAS and hepatic collagen content compared to single agents [3] Disease Context - MASH is a severe liver disease affecting over 115 million people globally, with limited treatment options available [8] - The renaming of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to MASH aims to provide a more affirmative diagnosis and reduce stigma associated with the disease [8]

Core Viewpoint - Sagimet Biosciences Inc. is advancing its clinical-stage biopharmaceutical development, particularly focusing on denifanstat for treating metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH), with promising results from recent clinical trials and plans for further studies [2][5]. Clinical Development - The Phase 2b FASCINATE-2 trial of denifanstat in MASH patients showed successful results, especially in F3 stage patients [2]. - Denifanstat demonstrated similar pharmacokinetic characteristics and tolerability in a Phase 1 trial for patients with and without hepatic impairment [2]. - A Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the combination of denifanstat and resmetirom is anticipated to start in the second half of 2025, with results expected in the first half of 2026 [3][12]. Preclinical Data - Preclinical data presented at EASL 2024 indicated that the combination of a FASN inhibitor (TVB-3664) and resmetirom significantly improved liver disease markers, achieving an 80% improvement in NAS compared to 33% and 25% improvements from monotherapies [3][6]. Financial Results - For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, Sagimet reported a net loss of $18.2 million, compared to a net loss of $6.6 million for the same period in 2024 [8][16]. - Research and development expenses increased to $15.3 million from $5.3 million year-over-year, while general and administrative expenses rose to $4.5 million from $3.5 million [12][16]. - As of March 31, 2025, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $144.6 million [12][17]. Corporate Updates - The company successfully completed end-of-Phase 2 interactions with the FDA in October 2024, paving the way for Phase 3 trials in MASH [5]. - Leadership changes include George Kemble transitioning to non-executive Chair of the Board and the appointment of Beth Seidenberg as Lead Independent Director [5]. Industry Context - MASH is a severe liver disease affecting over 115 million people globally, with limited treatment options available [10]. - The renaming of NAFLD to MASLD and NASH to MASH aims to reduce stigma and improve diagnosis [10].

Core Insights - Madrigal Pharmaceuticals is set to present significant data on resmetirom at the EASL Congress, highlighting its potential to improve liver health in patients with compensated MASH cirrhosis [1][3] - The company is preparing for a European Commission decision regarding the marketing authorization application for resmetirom, with expectations to launch in Germany in the second half of 2025 [2] Company Overview - Madrigal Pharmaceuticals focuses on developing novel therapeutics for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious liver disease with high unmet medical need [14] - Resmetirom is the first approved medication for MASH in the U.S., targeting key underlying causes of the disease [1][14] Clinical Data and Presentations - The late-breaking oral presentation at EASL will detail two-year data from the Phase 3 MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 trial, showing improvements in liver stiffness and fibrosis biomarkers in 122 patients [1][3] - Additional posters will cover various aspects of MASH, including baseline characteristics and the use of noninvasive tests for diagnosis [3] Market Context - An estimated 1.5 million patients in the U.S. have been diagnosed with MASH, with a focus on reaching approximately 315,000 patients with moderate to advanced fibrosis [7] - MASH is projected to become the leading cause of liver transplantation in the U.S., emphasizing the urgency for effective treatments [5][6]