Phase 2 efficacy readout for Rhythm’s next-gen weekly MC4R agonist in adult general (not BBS-specific) obesity. Watch: % weight loss vs. placebo, dose-response, hyperpigmentation rate vs. setmelanotide.
What’s at stake
RM-718 is Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' next-generation MC4R agonist designed for once-weekly dosing, in contrast to the daily injections required by IMCIVREE (setmelanotide). Like setmelanotide, RM-718 activates the melanocortin-4 receptor in the hypothalamus to reduce hunger and improve energy expenditure, but its extended half-life supports a more convenient weekly administration schedule. Rhythm is evaluating RM-718 in adults with broader general obesity — beyond the rare genetic syndromes covered by IMCIVREE — to assess potential for a wider commercial opportunity.
No primer in glossary yet.
of 4 historical Phase 2 readouts in Obesity / GLP-1: 3 positive, 1 mixed, 0 negative.
How Ph2 readouts in Obesity / GLP-1 have landed.
Reference, not prediction. We surface the historical record so you can read it yourself. We never extrapolate to the upcoming event.
Competitive landscape
| Drug | Company | Modality | Mechanism | Phase | Next catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dapiglutide | VKTX | peptide | dual GLP-1 / GIP receptor agonist | CONFERENCE · May 26 | |
| IMCIVREEsetmelanotide | RYTM | peptide | MC4R agonist | PDUFA · Aug 26 |
Prior RYTM reactions to Readout events
| Date | Headline | Outcome | 1W | 1M | 6M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2024 | RM-718 — Phase 2b Topline Met Primary Endpoint | positive | +28.5% | +43.3% | +26.0% |
Disclosure trail
- Mar 18, 2026·1mo agopinned · highest confidenceHIGH conf8-KQTRtop claimQ4'26
“We expect topline Phase 2 results for RM-718 in adult obesity in the fourth quarter of 2026.”
conf 88%via llm