Corteria Pharmaceuticals has launched a Phase 2 trial of its lead candidate COR-1167 in patients with worsening heart failure, while continuing a Phase 1 study of COR-1389 in individuals with obesity.

The Paris-based clinical-stage company is developing both therapies as first-in-class corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF2) agonists. The programs aim to target two major indications: heart failure and obesity with associated cardiopulmonary complications.

COR-1167 enters Phase 2 trial in worsening heart failure

COR-1167 is a once-daily, subcutaneous peptide agonist designed to activate the CRF2 pathway in patients with worsening heart failure. Following promising results from a Phase 1 trial, which showed the drug was generally safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic heart failure, Corteria has initiated the CRAFT-WHF Phase 2 trial.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT06815471/EU CT 2024-518951-52) will enroll 300 patients to assess the safety and cardiorenal effects of three doses of COR-1167 administered over one month. Topline results are expected by the end of 2026.

Phase 1 study of COR-1389 in obesity continues

COR-1389 is a once-weekly, long-acting CRF2 peptide agonist in development for obesity with associated heart failure and right-sided heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension (Group 2). A Phase 1 study (EU CT 2024-514853-31) is ongoing, with the single ascending dose phase now complete.

The trial is currently in the multiple ascending dose phase, evaluating safety, efficacy, and body composition outcomes over 12 weeks using whole-body MRI in subjects with obesity. Results are expected in the second half of 2026.

In preclinical models, COR-1389 demonstrated significant weight loss, increased energy expenditure, and improved fat-to-lean mass ratios. When combined with agents such as tirzepatide or semaglutide, the therapy showed additive fat-loss benefits while preserving muscle mass.

Improved cardiopulmonary hemodynamics

Additional preclinical studies in models of right-sided heart failure showed that COR-1389 improved cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and reversed maladaptive changes in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries. Corteria is planning a Phase 1b trial to evaluate acute hemodynamic responses in patients with Group 2 pulmonary hypertension, with data also expected in the second half of 2026.

“Advancing both COR‑1167 and COR‑1389 in the clinic underscores our commitment to delivering first‑in‑class CRF2‑targeted therapies for patients with limited treatment options,” said Philip Janiak, founder and CEO of Corteria Pharmaceuticals.

“The robust preclinical data, together with the emerging clinical data, strengthen our confidence as we move into Phase 2 and expand our footprint in cardiometabolic diseases.”