Northstrive Biosciences Signs Agreement for a Potential Breakthrough Obesity Therapy Targeting Fat Loss & Muscle Preservation in Combination With GLP-1

PMGC Holdings Inc. (formerly Elevai Labs Inc.) recently announced that its subsidiary, Northstrive Biosciences Inc.,  has executed a research agreement with a leading preclinical contract research organization (CRO) specializing in metabolic disorders. This Research Agreement will support a preclinical study carried out by the CRO and designed to evaluate EL-32, a novel engineered probiotic, as a monotherapy and in combination with the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide, focusing on its impact on glycemic control and body composition in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Pursuant to the research agreement, within three months of completion of this study, the CRO will provide results of this study to Northstrive Biosciences and deliver a report to Northstrive Biosciences describing the work envisaged in the Research Agreement.

Northstrive Biosciences believes that EL-32 has the potential to treat obesity in combination with popular weight loss therapeutics, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, by preserving muscle mass while decreasing fat mass.

GLP-1 receptor agonists have gained prominence as effective weight loss therapeutics; however, research has shown that up to 40-60% of weight loss from these treatments comes from lean body mass, including muscle. This significant reduction in muscle mass underscores the critical need for strategies to preserve muscle during weight loss interventions.

Northstrive Biosciences’ lead candidate, EL-32, is an engineered probiotic targeting dual myostatin and activin-A pathways—two clinically validated targets known to regulate muscle. By addressing these pathways, EL-32 has the potential to complement GLP-1 receptor agonists by preserving muscle mass while decreasing fat mass, offering a more comprehensive approach to obesity treatment.

The planned study, titled Effects of the test agent EL-32 administered either alone or in combination with semaglutide, on glycemic control and body composition in DIO mice, will use C57BL6/J mice as the experimental model. The study will evaluate body composition and metabolic progress across treatment groups receiving EL-32, semaglutide, or a combination of both. A leading preclinical CRO with extensive expertise in metabolic disorders and preclinical research will oversee the study’s execution.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with a leading obesity CRO to advance our understanding of EL-32’s therapeutic potential,” said Deniel Mero, Co-founder of Northstrive Biosciences. “This agreement marks the beginning of an important phase of research to confirm the role of myostatin and activin-A pathways in preserving muscle mass while addressing the unmet need for muscle preservation during weight loss.”

Northstrive Biosciences’ existing preclinical data has demonstrated that EL-32 administration results in statistically significant improvements in key measures of physical muscular function and body composition. The planned study is expected to further validate EL-32’s role as a therapeutic option that can be used in combination with existing GLP-1 therapies to treat obesity more effectively.

Northstrive Biosciences Inc., a PMGC Holdings company, is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development and acquisition of cutting-edge aesthetic medicines. Its lead asset, EL-22, is leveraging an engineered probiotic approach to address obesity’s pressing issue of preserving muscle while on weight loss treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. For more information, visit www.northstrivebio.com.

PMGC Holdings Inc. is a diversified holding company that manages and grows its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, investments, and development across various industries. Currently, our portfolio consists of three wholly owned subsidiaries: Northstrive Biosciences Inc., PMGC Research Inc., and PMGC Capital LLC. We are committed to exploring opportunities in multiple sectors to maximize growth and value. For more information, visit https://www.pmgcholdings.com.