NorthStrive Biosciences Announces Launch of EL-32 Preclinical Study Evaluating Muscle Preservation in GLP-1 Weight Loss Therapy

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PMGC Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ELAB) (“PMGC” or the “Company”) today announced the initiation of a preclinical study for EL-32, an engineered probiotic candidate being developed by its wholly owned subsidiary, NorthStrive Biosciences Inc. (“NorthStrive Biosciences”). The study is designed to evaluate EL-32’s potential to preserve lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss, both as a standalone therapy and in combination with GLP-1 weight loss treatments.

This announcement follows the Company’s January 30, 2025 press release titled “NorthStrive Biosciences Inc., a Subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc., Signs Agreement for Preclinical Mouse Study of EL-32, a Potential Breakthrough Obesity Therapy Targeting Fat Loss and Muscle Preservation in Combination with GLP-1.” Since that announcement, NorthStrive Biosciences has worked on locating material for the study, and study planning with the contract research organization (“CRO”), finalized the study design, and established the operational timeline and budget required to initiate the program.

The study will utilize a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model, a widely used preclinical model for evaluating obesity and metabolic therapies. The research is expected to evaluate EL-32 across multiple treatment groups, including standalone administration and combination therapy with semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist widely used in weight loss therapies.

The program is designed to assess key metabolic and physiological outcomes, including:

• Changes in body weight and fat mass
• Preservation of lean muscle mass
• Glycemic and metabolic markers
• Overall body composition across treatment groups

As GLP-1 therapies continue to expand globally, researchers and clinicians have increasingly focused on the potential loss of lean body mass associated with rapid weight reduction. NorthStrive Biosciences is developing EL-32 to potentially address this emerging need by supporting fat loss while preserving muscle.

Development Timeline

With study planning now finalized, NorthStrive Biosciences anticipates the following high-level timeline:

• Study initiation: underway
• Preclinical dosing and observation period: expected to occur over the next several months
• Data analysis and CRO reporting: following completion of the study period
• Next development evaluation: results of pre-clinical study will inform potential follow-on studies and future development strategy

The results of this research are expected to provide important insights into the potential role of EL-32 as a complementary therapy alongside GLP-1 weight loss treatments.

About NorthStrive Biosciences Inc.

NorthStrive Biosciences Inc., a PMGC Holdings Inc. company, is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development and acquisition of cutting-edge aesthetic medicines. NorthStrive’s lead asset, EL-22, leverages an engineered probiotic approach to address obesity’s pressing issue of preserving muscle while on weight loss treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.

About PMGC Holdings Inc.

PMGC Holdings Inc. is a diversified holding company that manages and grows its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, investments, and development across various industries. We are committed to exploring opportunities in multiple sectors to maximize growth and value.