Rivus Achieves Phase 2 Success for Obesity-Related Heart Failure

Rivus Pharmaceuticals is advancing its innovative drug candidate, HU6, designed to address obesity-related heart failure while preserving muscle mass. The biotech company recently reported a successful outcome in its phase 2a trial, marking a significant step toward its goal of improving treatments for patients with obesity-related heart failure.

HU6 aims to promote weight loss by enhancing the breakdown of fat, preventing its accumulation rather than merely reducing calorie intake. This mechanism offers the potential for patients to lose fat tissue while maintaining muscle mass. Preserving muscle is crucial for heart failure patients, who often suffer from frailty and reduced skeletal muscle mass.

The phase 2a trial involved 66 participants with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. These individuals were randomized to receive either HU6 or a placebo over a period of 134 days. The participants began with one oral dose, transitioned to a middle dose after 20 days, and moved to the highest dose based on data supporting such escalation.

The study successfully met its primary endpoint, showing a significant change from baseline in body weight after 134 days. Rivus Pharmaceuticals plans to present the detailed data behind this primary endpoint at a scientific meeting scheduled for September. Additionally, the company reported that the trial achieved several secondary efficacy and pharmacodynamic endpoints. HU6 also demonstrated a favorable safety profile, although specific data to substantiate these claims were not disclosed.

Jayson Dallas, M.D., the CEO of Rivus, expressed optimism about HU6's potential, suggesting that the data reinforce the possibility of HU6 being effective for a broad range of cardiometabolic diseases with significant morbidity and limited treatment options. This focus could allow Rivus to establish a unique position within the competitive obesity treatment market.

Looking ahead, Rivus Pharmaceuticals is preparing to advance HU6 into phase 3 trials for heart failure. The company plans to engage in discussions with health authorities about the study in the coming year. While advancing HU6 in the context of obesity-related heart failure remains a priority, Rivus is also generating data for the drug in other conditions. Notably, a phase 2 trial in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis has recently completed enrollment and is expected to provide topline data in the first half of next year.

In summary, Rivus Pharmaceuticals is making strides with its drug candidate HU6, which has shown promise in reducing body weight and preserving muscle mass in patients with obesity-related heart failure. The positive outcomes from the phase 2a trial bolster the potential for HU6 to address a range of cardiometabolic diseases, positioning Rivus to potentially fill gaps in current treatment options. With plans to move into phase 3 trials and ongoing efforts to explore HU6's efficacy in other settings, Rivus is poised to continue its progress in the field of obesity and heart failure treatment.