Hoth Therapeutics Releases Compelling GDNF Preclinical Data Showing Significant Weight Loss Effects
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 10 2026
0mins
Should l Buy HOTH?
Hoth Therapeutics announced "compelling" preclinical data from its VA-backed study on glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, or GDNF, as a novel treatment for obesity and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD. In a head-to-head comparison, GDNF demonstrated superior efficacy over semaglutide - the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic - in key metrics, including weight stabilization, glucose tolerance, liver weight reduction, and adipose tissue control-particularly in female models. This breakthrough positions GDNF as a potential gamechanger in the $200B obesity market, offering a differentiated mechanism that could address limitations of current GLP-1 agonists like gastrointestinal side effects and muscle loss. In female mice on a high-fat Western diet, GDNF attenuated weight gain by 10-15%, leading to a plateau in the final weeks of treatment-unlike semaglutide, which showed no significant impact. Researchers noted that higher doses or longer durations could amplify GDNF's effects. GDNF fully normalized fasting glucose and improved overall response to glucose challenges, outperforming semaglutide in females. Baseline improvements were also seen in males, indicating broad metabolic benefits. GDNF reduced liver weight by 20-30% and prevented adipose tissue accumulation in females, surpassing semaglutide's effects.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy HOTH?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on HOTH
About HOTH
Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new generation therapies for unmet medical needs. The Company is focused on developing a topical formulation for treating side effects from drugs used for the treatment of cancer (HT-001); a treatment for mast-cell derived cancers and anaphylaxis (HT-KIT), and a treatment and/or prevention for Alzheimer's or other neuroinflammatory diseases (HT-ALZ). The Company also has assets being developed for atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) (BioLexa); a treatment for asthma and allergies using inhalational administration (HT-004), and a treatment for obesity, and obesity-related diseases and conditions (HT-VA).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Hoth Secures Patent to Enhance Immunology IP Portfolio
- Patent Approval: Hoth Therapeutics announced that the USPTO has issued a Notice of Allowance for the patent on 'Exon Skipping of FC-Epsilon-RI-Beta and MS4A6A in the Treatment of Allergic Diseases,' marking a significant enhancement of the company's immunology intellectual property.
- Innovative Treatment Strategy: The patent protects a novel dual-mechanism approach targeting key regulators of allergic and inflammatory responses, positioning Hoth at the forefront of next-generation immunomodulatory therapies, which could reshape the global allergy and immunology market.
- Management Commentary: CEO Robb Knie stated that receiving this patent is an important milestone in building Hoth's intellectual property portfolio, further expanding the company's strategy for developing differentiated therapies for immune-driven diseases and enhancing long-term shareholder value.
- Market Outlook: By focusing on upstream drivers of allergic inflammation rather than merely treating downstream symptoms, this strategy not only strengthens Hoth's competitive position but also opens new growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical market.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics' GDNF Study Outperforms Semaglutide in Key Metrics
- Significant Research Findings: Hoth Therapeutics' study revealed that GDNF led to a 10% to 15% reduction in weight gain in female mice on a high-fat diet over 12 weeks, while semaglutide showed no meaningful effects, indicating GDNF's potential in weight management.
- Liver Health Improvement: The GDNF treatment resulted in a 20% to 30% reduction in liver weight and effectively prevented fat accumulation, highlighting its applicability in addressing obesity-related fatty liver disease, which could introduce new treatment options to the market.
- Positive Market Reaction: Although HOTH shares rose over 5% in pre-market trading, they fell 6% after the opening bell, reflecting initial investor optimism regarding the GDNF study results and the potential for new therapies in the obesity treatment landscape.
- Future Research Plans: Hoth intends to conduct further studies to better understand GDNF's mechanisms, with clinical trials targeted for 2027, aiming to drive innovation in the obesity treatment sector and enhance the company's competitiveness in the rapidly growing weight-loss drug market.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics' GDNF Therapy Shows Breakthrough Efficacy in Obesity Treatment
- Preclinical Study Results: Hoth Therapeutics' GDNF, co-developed with the U.S. Veterans Administration, demonstrated superior efficacy compared to semaglutide across key metrics such as weight stabilization, glucose tolerance, liver weight reduction, and adipose tissue control, particularly in female models, indicating its potential disruptive impact in the $200 billion obesity market.
- Multiple Treatment Advantages: GDNF's multifaceted benefits could address the gastrointestinal side effects and muscle loss associated with current GLP-1 agonists, offering new solutions for over 1 billion obese individuals globally and up to 30% of adults affected by MASLD, highlighting its strategic significance in the healthcare landscape.
- Future Research Directions: Hoth plans to accelerate GDNF toward IND-enabling studies, targeting clinical trials in 2027, with future analyses including liver pathology, lipid content, and gene/protein expression to further elucidate mechanisms, showcasing the company's ongoing commitment to R&D.
- Corporate Strategic Vision: CEO Robb Knie emphasized that the results of GDNF research represent a monumental step forward in the fight against obesity, creating significant value for shareholders and demonstrating the company's dedication to developing safer, more effective therapies that enhance patient quality of life.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics' GDNF Therapy Outperforms Semaglutide in Preclinical Study
- Significant Weight Loss: In female mice on a high-fat Western diet, GDNF reduced weight gain by 10-15%, unlike semaglutide, indicating GDNF's substantial potential in obesity treatment and offering a new therapeutic option.
- Enhanced Glucose Metabolism: GDNF fully normalized fasting glucose levels and outperformed semaglutide in glucose challenge responses, demonstrating broad metabolic benefits, particularly in female models.
- Liver and Adipose Tissue Health: GDNF reduced liver weight by 20-30% and prevented adipose tissue accumulation in females, surpassing semaglutide's effects, highlighting its promise in addressing obesity-related fatty liver disease.
- Study Design and Future Plans: Conducted at the Srinivasan Lab over 12 weeks, Hoth plans to accelerate GDNF towards IND-enabling studies, targeting clinical trials in 2027, further advancing its application in the $200 billion obesity market.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics Reveals GDNF Study Data for Obesity Treatment
- Significant Study Results: Hoth Therapeutics' research indicates that GDNF shows remarkable efficacy in obesity and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, particularly in female models where weight loss reached 10-15%, contrasting with semaglutide's lack of significant impact, suggesting GDNF could be a game-changing treatment in the obesity market.
- Mechanistic Advantages: GDNF outperformed semaglutide in key metrics, including weight stabilization, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced liver weight, highlighting its potential to address limitations of current GLP-1 agonists, particularly gastrointestinal side effects and muscle loss.
- Future Research Directions: Hoth plans to accelerate GDNF toward IND-enabling studies, targeting clinical trials in 2027, with future analyses including liver pathology, lipid content, and gene/protein expression to further elucidate mechanisms.
- Broad Market Potential: With over 1 billion people affected by obesity globally and MASLD impacting up to 30% of adults, GDNF's multifaceted benefits could revolutionize treatment paradigms, making Hoth's GDNF program strategically significant within its pipeline.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics Reports Significant Clinical Results from HT-001 Trial in Cancer Patients
- Clinical Response Rate: In the open-label PK cohort of the CLEER-001 trial, 100% of evaluable patients achieved a clinical response by Week 6, demonstrating the efficacy of HT-001 in cancer patients and potentially laying the groundwork for future treatment options.
- Disease Severity Improvement: There was approximately a 50% reduction in disease severity (ARIGA score) from baseline, with all evaluable patients reaching ARIGA ≤1 by Week 6, indicating significant and durable treatment effects that enhance the company's competitive position in oncology.
- Reduction in Side Effects: Supportive clinical endpoints showed a ~34% improvement in oncology toxicity (CTCAE) and a ~37% reduction in patient-reported pruritus, highlighting a broad and consistent treatment effect across multiple clinically relevant measures, which may improve patient quality of life.
- Market Performance Analysis: Hoth Therapeutics' stock is currently trading at $1.075, 2.7% below its 20-day simple moving average, indicating a bearish trend in the short term, although analysts maintain a 'Buy' rating with a price target of $6.50, reflecting confidence in the company's future potential.
See More
Hoth Secures Patent to Enhance Immunology IP Portfolio
- Patent Approval: Hoth Therapeutics announced that the USPTO has issued a Notice of Allowance for the patent on 'Exon Skipping of FC-Epsilon-RI-Beta and MS4A6A in the Treatment of Allergic Diseases,' marking a significant enhancement of the company's immunology intellectual property.
- Innovative Treatment Strategy: The patent protects a novel dual-mechanism approach targeting key regulators of allergic and inflammatory responses, positioning Hoth at the forefront of next-generation immunomodulatory therapies, which could reshape the global allergy and immunology market.
- Management Commentary: CEO Robb Knie stated that receiving this patent is an important milestone in building Hoth's intellectual property portfolio, further expanding the company's strategy for developing differentiated therapies for immune-driven diseases and enhancing long-term shareholder value.
- Market Outlook: By focusing on upstream drivers of allergic inflammation rather than merely treating downstream symptoms, this strategy not only strengthens Hoth's competitive position but also opens new growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical market.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics' GDNF Study Outperforms Semaglutide in Key Metrics
- Significant Research Findings: Hoth Therapeutics' study revealed that GDNF led to a 10% to 15% reduction in weight gain in female mice on a high-fat diet over 12 weeks, while semaglutide showed no meaningful effects, indicating GDNF's potential in weight management.
- Liver Health Improvement: The GDNF treatment resulted in a 20% to 30% reduction in liver weight and effectively prevented fat accumulation, highlighting its applicability in addressing obesity-related fatty liver disease, which could introduce new treatment options to the market.
- Positive Market Reaction: Although HOTH shares rose over 5% in pre-market trading, they fell 6% after the opening bell, reflecting initial investor optimism regarding the GDNF study results and the potential for new therapies in the obesity treatment landscape.
- Future Research Plans: Hoth intends to conduct further studies to better understand GDNF's mechanisms, with clinical trials targeted for 2027, aiming to drive innovation in the obesity treatment sector and enhance the company's competitiveness in the rapidly growing weight-loss drug market.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics' GDNF Therapy Shows Breakthrough Efficacy in Obesity Treatment
- Preclinical Study Results: Hoth Therapeutics' GDNF, co-developed with the U.S. Veterans Administration, demonstrated superior efficacy compared to semaglutide across key metrics such as weight stabilization, glucose tolerance, liver weight reduction, and adipose tissue control, particularly in female models, indicating its potential disruptive impact in the $200 billion obesity market.
- Multiple Treatment Advantages: GDNF's multifaceted benefits could address the gastrointestinal side effects and muscle loss associated with current GLP-1 agonists, offering new solutions for over 1 billion obese individuals globally and up to 30% of adults affected by MASLD, highlighting its strategic significance in the healthcare landscape.
- Future Research Directions: Hoth plans to accelerate GDNF toward IND-enabling studies, targeting clinical trials in 2027, with future analyses including liver pathology, lipid content, and gene/protein expression to further elucidate mechanisms, showcasing the company's ongoing commitment to R&D.
- Corporate Strategic Vision: CEO Robb Knie emphasized that the results of GDNF research represent a monumental step forward in the fight against obesity, creating significant value for shareholders and demonstrating the company's dedication to developing safer, more effective therapies that enhance patient quality of life.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics' GDNF Therapy Outperforms Semaglutide in Preclinical Study
- Significant Weight Loss: In female mice on a high-fat Western diet, GDNF reduced weight gain by 10-15%, unlike semaglutide, indicating GDNF's substantial potential in obesity treatment and offering a new therapeutic option.
- Enhanced Glucose Metabolism: GDNF fully normalized fasting glucose levels and outperformed semaglutide in glucose challenge responses, demonstrating broad metabolic benefits, particularly in female models.
- Liver and Adipose Tissue Health: GDNF reduced liver weight by 20-30% and prevented adipose tissue accumulation in females, surpassing semaglutide's effects, highlighting its promise in addressing obesity-related fatty liver disease.
- Study Design and Future Plans: Conducted at the Srinivasan Lab over 12 weeks, Hoth plans to accelerate GDNF towards IND-enabling studies, targeting clinical trials in 2027, further advancing its application in the $200 billion obesity market.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics Reveals GDNF Study Data for Obesity Treatment
- Significant Study Results: Hoth Therapeutics' research indicates that GDNF shows remarkable efficacy in obesity and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, particularly in female models where weight loss reached 10-15%, contrasting with semaglutide's lack of significant impact, suggesting GDNF could be a game-changing treatment in the obesity market.
- Mechanistic Advantages: GDNF outperformed semaglutide in key metrics, including weight stabilization, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced liver weight, highlighting its potential to address limitations of current GLP-1 agonists, particularly gastrointestinal side effects and muscle loss.
- Future Research Directions: Hoth plans to accelerate GDNF toward IND-enabling studies, targeting clinical trials in 2027, with future analyses including liver pathology, lipid content, and gene/protein expression to further elucidate mechanisms.
- Broad Market Potential: With over 1 billion people affected by obesity globally and MASLD impacting up to 30% of adults, GDNF's multifaceted benefits could revolutionize treatment paradigms, making Hoth's GDNF program strategically significant within its pipeline.
See More
Hoth Therapeutics Reports Significant Clinical Results from HT-001 Trial in Cancer Patients
- Clinical Response Rate: In the open-label PK cohort of the CLEER-001 trial, 100% of evaluable patients achieved a clinical response by Week 6, demonstrating the efficacy of HT-001 in cancer patients and potentially laying the groundwork for future treatment options.
- Disease Severity Improvement: There was approximately a 50% reduction in disease severity (ARIGA score) from baseline, with all evaluable patients reaching ARIGA ≤1 by Week 6, indicating significant and durable treatment effects that enhance the company's competitive position in oncology.
- Reduction in Side Effects: Supportive clinical endpoints showed a ~34% improvement in oncology toxicity (CTCAE) and a ~37% reduction in patient-reported pruritus, highlighting a broad and consistent treatment effect across multiple clinically relevant measures, which may improve patient quality of life.
- Market Performance Analysis: Hoth Therapeutics' stock is currently trading at $1.075, 2.7% below its 20-day simple moving average, indicating a bearish trend in the short term, although analysts maintain a 'Buy' rating with a price target of $6.50, reflecting confidence in the company's future potential.
See More
