Altimmune Showcases Phase 2 MRI Body Composition Study at European Diabetes Meeting

Altimmune, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, recently shared compelling findings from its Phase 2, MRI-based body composition sub-study of pemvidutide at the 60th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid, Spain. Pemvidutide, an investigational GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist, is designed to treat obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

The sub-study examined 67 participants from the Phase 2 MOMENTUM obesity trial, with 50 subjects receiving pemvidutide over 48 weeks. Key results highlighted a lean loss ratio of 21.9%, indicating a significant preservation of lean mass. Notably, participants aged 60 and above exhibited a lean loss ratio of only 19.9%. This lean mass preservation is crucial as it is associated with a reduced risk of frailty-related falls and fractures. Additionally, the study observed a substantial reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which is linked to cardiovascular risk. At a dose of 2.4mg, participants experienced a 25.6% reduction in VAT after 48 weeks, compared to a 20.1% decrease in subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Dr. Scott Harris, Chief Medical Officer of Altimmune, emphasized the significance of these findings, particularly for individuals over 60 who are at an increased risk of falls and fractures. Dr. Harris noted that the preservation of lean mass and the reduction in VAT could potentially lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The data demonstrates pemvidutide's superior performance in lean mass preservation compared to traditional methods like diet and exercise.

Pemvidutide’s unique mechanism mimics the effects of both diet and exercise by activating the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. GLP-1 helps suppress appetite, while glucagon boosts energy expenditure and has direct effects on liver fat metabolism, leading to rapid reductions in liver fat and serum lipids. Clinical trials have shown that pemvidutide not only promotes significant weight loss but also reduces triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, liver fat content, and blood pressure. The U.S. FDA has granted pemvidutide Fast Track designation for the treatment of MASH, underscoring its potential importance in addressing this condition.

Altimmune is dedicated to developing next-generation peptide-based therapeutics. The company’s focus on innovative treatments has led to the ongoing development of pemvidutide, which is currently being evaluated in the IMPACT Phase 2b MASH trial following the completion of the MOMENTUM Phase 2 obesity trial.

In summary, Altimmune’s recent presentation at the EASD Annual Meeting underscores the promising potential of pemvidutide in treating obesity and MASH. The significant preservation of lean mass, particularly in older adults, and the substantial reduction in VAT are noteworthy findings that highlight the therapeutic benefits of pemvidutide. As research progresses, Altimmune remains committed to advancing this novel treatment to improve health outcomes for patients with obesity and related metabolic conditions.

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