Hoth Therapeutics Reveals HT-VA GDNF Outperforms Semaglutide

Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. has announced a significant breakthrough in obesity treatment, revealing that its novel therapy, HT-VA GDNF, has outperformed semaglutide in key health metrics. The findings, released on February 10, 2026, stem from a preclinical study co-developed with the United States Veterans Administration, highlighting GDNF’s potential in addressing obesity and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

In a direct comparison, GDNF demonstrated superior results in weight stabilization, glucose tolerance, liver weight reduction, and adipose tissue control, especially in female models. This breakthrough positions GDNF as a promising candidate in the $200 billion obesity market, where traditional treatments often face limitations, including gastrointestinal side effects and muscle loss.

Key Findings from the Study

The study, conducted at the Srinivasan Lab, involved a 12-week trial using CF-1 mice to simulate human obesity. GDNF was administered subcutaneously in escalating doses, while semaglutide was given at a standard dose. The results were striking:

– **Weight Management**: Female mice on a high-fat Western diet exhibited a weight gain reduction of 10-15% with GDNF treatment, achieving a plateau in weight gain during the final weeks. Semaglutide, in contrast, showed no significant impact on weight stabilization during the same period.

– **Glucose Metabolism**: GDNF normalized fasting glucose levels and enhanced the overall response to glucose challenges, outperforming semaglutide notably in female subjects. Improvements were also observed in male models, indicating broad metabolic advantages.

– **Liver and Adipose Health**: GDNF treatment resulted in a 20-30% decrease in liver weight and effectively prevented the accumulation of adipose tissue in female mice, surpassing the effects of semaglutide. This underscores GDNF’s potential in addressing fatty liver disease, a common issue linked to obesity.

Future Implications and Company Statements

Robb Knie, CEO of Hoth Therapeutics, emphasized the importance of the study, stating, “These results are a monumental step forward for Hoth and the fight against obesity. GDNF not only matched but exceeded semaglutide in critical areas, opening doors to a new era of safer, more effective therapies.” He expressed excitement about the potential of GDNF to deliver impactful outcomes for patients and significant value for shareholders.

The study builds upon previous research that indicated GDNF’s protective role against diet-induced obesity. Future analyses will focus on liver pathology, lipid content, and gene/protein expression to further clarify the mechanisms behind GDNF’s efficacy. Hoth plans to fast-track GDNF toward Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies, with clinical trials anticipated to commence in 2027.

Hoth Therapeutics is committed to developing innovative treatments that enhance patient quality of life. The GDNF program is part of a broader pipeline that includes HT-001, currently in Phase 2 for cancer-related skin toxicities, HT-KIT, which has received Orphan Drug Designation for mast cell cancers, and HT-ALZ for Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information about Hoth Therapeutics and its initiatives, visit their official website.