Resalis Therapeutics

We are pleased to share that our CEO, Alessandro Toniolo, was featured on this month’s Beyond Biotech podcast by Labiotech.eu. In the episode, “Can RNA drugs solve the obesity epidemic?”, Alessandro joins host Jim Cornall to discuss the evolving landscape of obesity treatments and Resalis' unique non-coding RNA approach. Alessandro discusses the seminal discoveries of our Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder, Riccardo Panella, in collaboration with our Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder Sakari Kauppinen, that led to the development of our lead program, RES-010. It is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial, and based on robust, preclinical evidence that it can enhance energy expenditure through white-to-brown adipose tissue conversion while preserving muscle mass, enables its potential application as both a standalone therapy and a synergistic option for long-term weight management. He goes on to talk about Resalis’ pipeline and the next steps. Alessandro also delves into new obesity treatments and the companies working on approaches other than appetite suppression.

Our Translational Research Associate, Anna Altieri, will attend the Synergistic Meeting on Oligonucleotide Therapeutics from February 27-28 in Valencia, Spain. At this event, experts from academia and the biotech industry meet to drive innovation in oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. With sessions on pre-clinical development, screening platforms, and targeted delivery, the meeting provides a key opportunity to exchange ideas and foster collaboration in the field. Anna will give a talk titled “Promoting Superior Weight Loss with Lean Mass Preservation: RES-010 Enters Clinical Trials to Revolutionize Obesity Treatment, showcasing Resalis' work in RNA-based therapies and our approach to tackling metabolic diseases. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, join her during the poster session.

We’re excited to share that Riccardo Panella will attend the joint Keystone Symposia – MASH Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches and Obesity and Adipose Tissue from February 23-26 in Banff, Canada. This important event brings together leading researchers, clinicians, and biotech innovators to explore the latest scientific advances in obesity, adipose tissue biology, and metabolic disease—critical areas that directly impact the future of therapeutic development. Riccardo’s presentation titled “Innovative RNA-based therapeutics: RES-010 rewires metabolism to improve GLP1-RA therapy and promotes fat mass reduction” shares insights into Resalis' approach to tackling metabolic dysfunction and the role of miR-22 inhibition in addressing obesity and related diseases. If you’re attending the Keystone Symposia, let’s connect and discuss how we can advance solutions for metabolic health together.

Redefining Obesity: A New, Evidence-based Framework One of the key steps in addressing a condition is to define it. A global commission of 58 experts has established new, objective diagnostic criteria for obesity – moving beyond BMI to a more comprehensive assessment. Their framework evaluates excess adiposity and its impact on organ function and daily life, ensuring a more accurate and medically sound approach to diagnosis and treatment. The commission’s framework, endorsed by 76 organizations worldwide, categorizes obesity into three key areas: diagnostic criteria, individual health strategies, and public health initiatives. It defines clinical obesity as a chronic, systemic illness in which excess adiposity impairs organ function and/ or daily life. Preclinical obesity is identified as excess adiposity without functional impairment but with an increased risk of disease progression. The report also calls for evidence-based interventions, improved public health strategies, better training of healthcare professionals, and the reduction of weight-based bias. At Resalis, we’re committed to advancing science-backed solutions. Unlike GLP-1RA therapies, which work by suppressing appetite, our lead candidate, RES-010, addresses obesity at its root by converting white adipose tissue into brown adipose tissue. This process increases energy expenditure, promoting weight loss without compromising muscle mass. We welcome the shift toward a more precise understanding of obesity and look forward to contributing to better health outcomes. 

The FDA has released draft guidance on the development of weight-reduction drugs — an important step toward refining the standards for efficacy, safety, and trial design in this evolving field. Why does this matter? Because obesity is more than a weight issue, it is a complex metabolic condition linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other serious health conditions. Clear regulatory pathways support the development of innovative treatments that can address these multifaceted challenges effectively. At Resalis, we welcome this regulatory guidance. As we advance RES-010 through clinical development, we remain committed to a rigorous, patient-focused approach that aligns with regulatory best practices. Our therapeutic goal extends beyond weight reduction; it targets the underlying metabolic dysregulation that contributes to obesity and its complications. By adhering to high scientific and regulatory standards, we can bring innovative treatments to patients responsibly, ensuring both safety and meaningful therapeutic benefits.

  #ICYMI: Last month, we started the Phase 1 clinical trial for our lead program, RES-010.   RES-010 is an antisense oligonucleotide designed to reprogram metabolic pathways, tackling the complex biological roots of obesity rather than just managing symptoms. By binding to microRNA-22 – a key regulator of lipid biosynthesis, mitochondrial function, and adipose tissue transformation – RES-010 uniquely influences multiple metabolic pathways, offering a comprehensive approach to restoring metabolic balance. In preclinical studies, this targeted approach has shown to specifically reduce fat mass while preserving muscle mass, paving the way for a more durable solution. With this robust preclinical data, RES-010 is set to redefine what’s possible in obesity treatment.   We are excited to continue this journey and share updates as we advance through clinical development.

The Resalis team had an incredible time in San Francisco attending the 2025 JPM Healthcare Conference, connecting with industry leaders, sharing insights, and highlighting the potential of RES-010 in tackling obesity. Thank you to everyone who joined us for inspiring conversations and collaborations!

As we dive into the new year, many of us are working to stick to our health-focused resolutions. This week’s Healthy Weight Week is the perfect reminder to focus on overall well-being rather than just the numbers on a scale.   At Resalis, we understand that achieving and maintaining metabolic health is complex and deeply personal. While diet and exercise are essential, they don’t work the same way for everyone. That is why we are dedicated to advancing innovative research and treatment options for metabolic disorders, including obesity, to help individuals achieve sustainable, long-term health with a mechanism that is not dependent on appetite suppression.   Healthy Weight Week also encourages us to reduce weight-related stigma and celebrate diverse body types and health journeys with compassion and understanding.   Let’s use this week to cheer each other on, stay motivated, and focus on creating positive habits that last. Here’s to supporting your 2025 health goals!

The biotech industry is kicking off 2025 with its biggest conference of the year! The Resalis team — CEO Alessandro Toniolo and CSO and Co-founder Riccardo Panella — is heading to San Francisco for the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference from January 13–16. This renowned gathering sets the stage to discuss corporate outlooks for the year, exchange transformative ideas and explore potential collaborations. At Resalis, we are excited to share the latest advancements in our RES-010 program, an innovative approach that harnesses the potential of non-coding RNAs to deliver lasting solutions for obesity. We can’t wait to connect with experts and industry leaders attending the conference, share insights, and explore opportunities to drive progress in treating the root causes of complex metabolic disorders. See you in San Francisco!

This week, the Resalis team from across Europe came together in person, gathering in the beautiful city of Rome for our annual meeting. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect face-to-face and ignite the spark for new ideas and innovations. Between productive discussions and inspiring brainstorming sessions, we couldn’t resist indulging in Italy’s finest cuisine. To balance it out, we walked through the historic streets of the eternal city. We explored the Foro Romano—a perfect mix of culture, history, and an increase in energy expenditure. Here is to another year of collaboration, innovation, and making a difference in science and health.