Israel-based pharmaceutical company Raziel Therapeutics announced on Monday the launch of a phase 3 study of RZL-012 in China for the treatment of fat reduction in the submental area in collaboration with an affiliate of China-based Fosun Pharma.

Submental fat (SMF) reduction is the first indication for RZL-012 among many potential aesthetic focal fat reduction treatments for body shaping.

RZL-012 is an injectable lipolytic drug being developed for the reduction of unwanted submental fat (double-chin) or fat in other body areas, in adults. The compound is injected subcutaneously into submental fat tissue in 1-2 injection sessions by trained physicians and destroys fat cells, resulting in fat volume reduction and improved appearance of the injected area.

Raziel Therapeutics and Tianjin JuveStar Biotech Co Ltd (JuveStar), a company invested and incubated by the venture capital arm of Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co Ltd (SH:600196) (HK:02196), partnered with Raziel Therapeutics to develop RZL-012 and JuveStar holds the commercial rights in Greater China. JuveStar will be responsible for conducting the phase 3 study, while Raziel will be responsible for manufacturing the drug substance and finished drug product for the clinical activities in China. The product is expected to be launched in China during 2027.