The Long Run with Luke Timmerman Ep193: Ron Renaud on Helping People Lose Weight With GLP-1 Medicines
Jan 22, 2026
Ron Renaud, CEO of Kylara Therapeutics and seasoned biotech leader, shares insights on developing GLP-1 medicines designed to combat obesity. He discusses the pivotal moment for GLP-1 treatments, highlighting impressive phase 2 results of rebupatide and its unique advantages over competitors. Renaud explains the significance of tolerability and market differentiation while outlining Kylara's focus on high-BMI patients. The conversation also touches on the societal impact of obesity treatments and the promising potential within this evolving healthcare landscape.
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GLP-1s Became A Broad Public-Health Opportunity
- GLP-1–based medicines shifted from diabetes to a massive obesity opportunity with wide health benefits.
- Ron Renaud says demand surged after data showed weight loss plus cardiovascular and kidney risk reductions.
Build Teams Around Your Weaknesses
- Ron recounts how he repeatedly surrounds himself with strong teams because he knows his limits.
- He attributes multiple successful exits to hiring people who fill his gaps and shape strategy.
Better Efficacy At Lower Doses
- Kylara licensed differentiated assets showing high efficacy at lower doses and similar tolerability.
- Ron saw high-teens weight loss at less than half the dose of the leading dual agonist, prompting excitement.