LG Chem announced on the 5th that it had licensed out its new drug candidate that targets a rare genetic disease characterized by severe appetite control dysfunction to the U.S-based Rhythm Pharmaceuticals.

The agreement, which amounts to USD 350 million (KRW 400 billion), includes an upfront payment of USD 100 million (KRW 130 billion). Upon successful commercialization, the company will receive separate sales royalties based on annual sales.

The candidate targets a rare form of obesity. This form of rare obesity is characterized by abnormalities in appetite control due to defects in the pathway of the satiety signaling gene, ‘MC4R (Melanocortin-4 Receptor),’ resulting in per