For several months, the academic community in the United States has been impressed: PEG Bio (02565) new drug CR059 tops ADA, opening a new era in the treatment of metabolic diseases with monthly/quarterly dosing.

Hong Kong-listed innovative pharmaceutical company Pegasus Biopharmaceuticals (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. (stock code: 02565, hereinafter referred to as "Pegasus Biopharma") issued a voluntary announcement after trading hours on April 2, presenting a research abstract on its independently developed innovative candidate product CR059. The abstract was successfully accepted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for presentation at their 2026 Scientific Sessions as a Late Breaking Abstract (LBA), to be showcased in the form of a poster during the conference. Following the release of preclinical data on CR059, this recognition at a top global academic conference not only highlights Pegasus Biopharma's leading position in the circRNA technology platform and long-acting GLP-1 field, but also indicates a new revolution in the treatment of metabolic diseases, ushering in a new era of "monthly/quarterly dosing" for the convenience of millions of diabetes and obesity patients worldwide. The prestigious recognition of presenting CR059 under the LBA category at the ADA Scientific Sessions is an acknowledgment of its significant breakthrough in the field, showcasing its clinical strength and pipeline value. The research abstract titled "CR059, a Once-Monthly circRNA-Encoded GLP-1 Analogue, Demonstrates Durable Glycemic Control in T2D Rhesus Monkeys" reveals three core advantages of CR059 in preclinical studies: significant weight reduction and glucose-lowering effects, prolonged expression for long-term therapy, and the potential for monthly dosing based on the company's circRNA-LNP technology platform, with the possibility of quarterly dosing. This groundbreaking achievement marks a shift in the treatment of metabolic diseases, offering patients a more convenient dosing option with improved therapeutic outcomes. The CR059's long-acting breakthrough lies in Pegasus Biopharma's proprietary circRNA-LNP technology platform. Unlike traditional GLP-1 medications that extend peptide half-life through chemical modifications, CR059 utilizes a novel circRNA (circular RNA) nucleic acid drug pathway. CircRNA, a closed-loop non-coding RNA, exhibits high stability in vivo due to its resistance to nucleases, offering an extended half-life compared to linear mRNA. By integrating the sequence encoding a GLP-1 analogue into circRNA and employing mature LNP (lipid nanoparticle) delivery technology, CR059 achieves sustained expression of the GLP-1 analogue in vivo, providing long-lasting therapeutic effects at the molecular level without relying on chemical modifications to prolong half-life. The advantages of this technology platform are comprehensive: ultimate long-acting properties, enhanced safety, and enhanced extensibility. CR059's extended release sets it apart from traditional GLP-1 peptides, potentially offering a dosing interval ranging from monthly to quarterly, significantly improving patient compliance and treatment outcomes. The global GLP-1 market is witnessing explosive growth, with the market size exceeding $80 billion in 2024 and projected to surpass $150 billion by 2030 according to Frost & Sullivan data. In China, the market for GLP-1 medications is rapidly expanding, with an estimated value of RMB 120 billion by 2030. CR059 stands out as the only GLP-1 drug in development worldwide with the potential for quarterly dosing, positioning Pegasus Biopharma at the forefront of GLP-1 research and development. Compared to traditional peptide GLP-1 agents, CR059's technology platform offers intergenerational advantages in long-acting properties, with the potential for longer dosing intervals. Furthermore, as indications for metabolic diseases such as obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular diseases continue to expand, the market space for GLP-1 medications is continually growing. CR059 not only has implications for type 2 diabetes but also has potential applications in obesity, NAFLD, and other indications. Pegasus Biopharma, as an innovative pharmaceutical company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, focuses on innovative drug development in the field of metabolic diseases. With core technology platforms including circRNA, long-acting peptides, dual-target/multi-target agonists, and pipeline covering multiple metabolic disease areas such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and NAFLD, Pegasus Biopharma is a key player in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's metabolic disease innovation track. CR059's selection for ADA LBA is a significant milestone in the company's pipeline progress, reshaping its value proposition. The key investment thesis for investors in Pegasus Biopharma lies in their cutting-edge technology platform, leading global pipeline, and explosive growth trajectory. The ADA LBA selection signifies a major breakthrough in the global GLP-1 field and the beginning of a new era in metabolic disease treatment, offering millions of patients worldwide a more convenient and effective treatment option. However, it is important to note that CR059 is still in the research and development stage, and uncertainties remain regarding its subsequent development, clinical trial progress, regulatory approval, and commercialization. The ADA LBA selection of CR059 is an important milestone in the company's research and development journey and a significant breakthrough in the global GLP-1 field. The circRNA technology platform empowers CR059 with the advantage of monthly/quarterly dosing, potentially heralding a new era in metabolic disease treatment and offering a more convenient treatment option for millions of patients worldwide. With its cutting-edge technology platform and leading global pipeline, Pegasus Biopharma has the potential to become a dark horse in the field of innovative pharmaceuticals listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Investors can continue to monitor the clinical development progress of CR059 and the company's pipeline advancement to seize the core investment opportunities in the field of metabolic disease innovation. Risk Warning: Uncertainties in research and commercialization. It is important to emphasize that, as explicitly mentioned by Pegasus Biopharma in its announcement, CR059 is currently in the research and development stage, and uncertainties exist regarding the subsequent development of the candidate product, progress in clinical trials, regulatory approval, and commercialization.