** Shares of biotech firm Vivani Medical VANI.O rise 6% to $1.29 premarket

** Co says Australian ethics panel clears early-stage trial of its obesity drug implant NPM-139, designed to steadily release medicine over time

** Says trial to test low-dose semaglutide implant against Wegovy in 20 adults over 4 weeks

** The trial will test the implant in patients with obesity, a condition where excess body fat raises risk of diseases like diabetes and heart issues

** Co says main trial goal is safety and how drug moves in body, with weight loss also tracked

** Says trial to begin mid-2026; preparing larger follow-up study depending on results

** As of last close, stock down ~1% YTD