Press Releases

Phenomix Sciences (Phenomix), the first commercial precision obesity medicine biotechnology company, announced today its first prospective, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluating the ability of the MyPhenome™ test to predict response to semaglutide, the first of many GLP-1-based therapies which have taken center stage in the fight against obesity. The trial builds upon Phenomix’s extensive body of research, including ongoing real-world clinical data collection and over a decade of research from company co-founders and Mayo Clinic researchers Andres Acosta, M.D., Ph.D., and Michael Camilleri, M.D., D.Sc.

The study, currently enrolling patients, will determine the efficacy of semaglutide in patients with obesity with either a positive or negative MyPhenome test result for abnormal satiety (Hungry Gut). In a previous retrospective study conducted at the Mayo Clinic, investigators demonstrated that patients identified as Hungry Gut positive with the MyPhenome test lost almost twice as much weight on semaglutide as those identified as Hungry Gut negative. This prospective study aims to further refine obesity treatment selection by strengthening the evidence for personalized approaches, improving patient response rates, and reducing unnecessary medication use. 

“This first-in-human clinical study is another important step for Phenomix in advancing precision obesity treatment,” said Mark Bagnall, CEO of Phenomix Sciences. “As GLP-1 medications reshape obesity treatment, this study ensures they are used more effectively by matching patients to the right interventions based on their biology. Our goal is to support the broader adoption of precision obesity medicine across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and research.”

The MyPhenome genetic obesity test is a simple cheek swab that identifies the biological factors, or phenotypes, that cause obesity. Healthcare providers use this information to develop customized treatment plans, including lifestyle and diet interventions as well as medication and/or procedure recommendations. Previous clinical research has shown that phenotype-guided obesity treatments are twice as effective as traditional, one-size-fits-all methods. It is the first commercial precision medicine test for obesity and is already in use by over 80 healthcare clinics nationwide. 

The study is supported by a $2.3 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Grant from the National Institutes of Health, which supports innovation in healthcare technology.