CicadaBio Announces Oral Presentation on CC-18, a First-in-Class GLP-1/ActRII Fusion Protein Designed for Muscle-Preservation Weight Loss, at ADA 2026
New preclinical data demonstrate robust weight reduction, lean mass preservation, durable effects after treatment discontinuation and potential for extended dosing intervals
CicadaBio today announced that new preclinical data for CC-18, its investigational GLP-1/anti-ActRII dual-pathway fusion protein, were shared during an oral presentation at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026. The data demonstrated robust weight reduction, preservation of lean mass, reduced weight regain following treatment discontinuation and the potential for extended dosing intervals.
CC-18 is designed to address a growing challenge in obesity treatment: achieving meaningful weight loss while preserving muscle mass and improving long-term metabolic health. By combining GLP-1 receptor activation with ActRII pathway blockade in a single molecule, CC-18 is designed to reduce excess fat while preserving or potentially increasing lean mass, resulting in more favorable body composition outcomes.
While GLP-1-based therapies have transformed the treatment of obesity, increasing attention is being placed on the quality of the weight loss achieved. Clinical studies have shown that a substantial proportion of weight loss achieved with current therapies may come from a reduction in lean body mass. As a result, preservation of muscle mass is increasingly recognized as an important factor for metabolic health, physical function and long-term weight maintenance.
