04:30 PM EDT, 03/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Rhythm Pharmaceuticals ( RYTM ) said Wednesday it has received orphan drug designation from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for setmelanotide as a treatment for acquired hypothalamic obesity.

Setmelanotide is currently in a global phase 3 trial, with topline results anticipated in Q2, the biopharmaceutical company said.

Acquired hypothalamic obesity is a disease characterized by accelerated and sustained change in weight trajectory caused by an injury to the hypothalamus, the firm said.