Chiesi Global Rare Diseases unveiled new research findings on lipodystrophy and metreleptin therapy at the Endocrine Society’s Annual Meeting (ENDO 2026), held from June 13 to 16 in Chicago. The company presented five clinical abstracts aimed at advancing understanding of treatment approaches, patient outcomes and unmet care needs in rare endocrine and metabolic disorders.

The presentations focused on several aspects of the metreleptin clinical programme, including its use in partial lipodystrophy, its safety and tolerability profile in generalized lipodystrophy, and the potential benefits of combining metreleptin with GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults living with the disease.

The data also shed light on the broader challenges faced by individuals with lipodystrophy, particularly the impact of mental health issues and gaps in patient support systems. According to survey findings presented at the conference, many patients experience psychological burdens linked to altered body image, delayed diagnosis and uncertainty surrounding disease management.

Despite these challenges, more than half of surveyed patients and caregivers reported a lack of access to mental health support, highlighting a significant unmet need in the treatment landscape. Researchers suggested that proactive mental health screening at the time of diagnosis could help healthcare providers deliver more comprehensive and patient-centred care.

Rachele Berria, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Medical Affairs at Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, said continued research in both clinical and real-world settings is crucial for improving treatment strategies for rare endocrine and metabolic diseases. She noted that the latest findings combine scientific evidence with patient experiences to support the development of more effective care models.

The company also emphasised the importance of understanding the lived experiences of people with lipodystrophy. Stuart Siedman, Vice President of Patient Advocacy at Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, said the burden of the disease often extends beyond measurable clinical outcomes and that patient perspectives remain essential for improving long-term care.

Lipodystrophy is a rare disorder characterised by the abnormal loss of body fat and is often associated with severe metabolic complications. Metreleptin is approved as an adjunct to diet for treating complications arising from leptin deficiency in patients with certain forms of generalized and partial lipodystrophy when standard treatments fail to provide adequate metabolic control.

The latest research presented at ENDO 2026 underscores the growing focus on integrating clinical innovation with holistic patient support, reinforcing Chiesi’s commitment to advancing care for people living with rare endocrine and metabolic diseases.