ADA 2024: Altimmune’s GLP-1 drug shows promise for weight loss

15 July 2024

Altimmune has advanced in the burgeoning market for obesity treatments, presenting promising data for its drug pemvidutide (ALT-801). The Maryland-based company shared findings from the Phase II MOMENTUM trial (NCT05295875) at the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 64th Scientific Sessions on June 22. The study revealed significant weight loss among participants using pemvidutide. Specifically, patients experienced an average weight reduction of 10.3%, 11.2%, and 15.6% at doses of 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, and 2.4 mg, respectively, over a 48-week period. In contrast, those on a placebo saw only a 2.2% weight loss. Moreover, the data highlighted that 78.1% of the weight loss was attributed to fat loss.

On June 21, the company also unveiled results showing pemvidutide's effectiveness in reducing inflammatory lipids. The trial indicated a substantial drop in serum lipids by 28%, 26%, and 38% at the aforementioned doses. This decrease encompassed triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipid cholesterol. Additionally, pemvidutide usage was linked to a reduction in systolic blood pressure.

The ADA conference, held from June 21 to 24, brought together experts in diabetes and obesity to discuss emerging trends and share recent study outcomes. Besides Altimmune, major pharmaceutical companies such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly presented their latest findings. Eli Lilly showcased positive data from the SURMOUNT-OSA study (NCT05412004) on Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for treating obstructive sleep apnea. Novo Nordisk highlighted results from the SELECT study (NCT03574597), which assessed cardiovascular outcomes for semaglutide, marketed under Ozempic and Wegovy.

Pemvidutide, a peptide-based GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist, is under development for managing obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Altimmune is currently testing the drug for MASH in the ongoing Phase IIb IMPACT study (NCT05989711). According to GlobalData's consensus forecasts, pemvidutide could generate $1.16 billion by 2030.

On June 23, Dr. Vipin K. Garg, CEO of Altimmune, commented on the trial results, noting the superior preservation of lean mass observed with pemvidutide compared to traditional diet and exercise programs. He also stated that the lean mass retention was higher than what has been reported with other incretin weight loss drugs, where lean mass often accounts for up to 40% of total weight loss.

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