Hangzhou-based biotech start-up MindRank has advanced its weight loss drug into Phase 3 clinical trials, marking a milestone as China’s first AI-assisted Category 1 new drug to reach this late-stage testing phase.
The trial centers on MDR-001, a small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed using artificial intelligence–driven research methods. The drug is designed to regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite by mimicking the body’s natural hormones, according to the company.
MindRank founder and chief executive Niu Zhangming said the company aims to secure regulatory approval in the second half of 2028, with a commercial launch potentially following in 2029.
The company noted that MDR-001 reached Phase 3 trials in approximately 4.5 years, significantly faster than the typical seven to 10 years required for drug candidates to reach the same stage. Niu attributed the accelerated timeline to the use of AI tools, which he said shortened research cycles and reduced overall research and development costs by more than 60 percent.
MindRank employs proprietary AI systems, including large language models, to identify potential weight loss drug targets and screen promising compounds. The company said this approach has increased target research accuracy to over 97 percent while supporting early assessments of drug safety and efficacy.
Despite the growing role of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, Niu emphasized that human expertise remains critical for strategic decision-making and workflow integration. He added that AI-driven drug development still requires lengthy validation processes, meaning its broader impact on the life sciences industry is likely to emerge more gradually than in other technology-driven sectors.
