pemviductide can compete with Ozempic and lose weight while maintaining muscle

American biotechnology company Altimmune has released impressive results from its Phase II clinical trial for a new weekly injectable, known as pemviductide.

According to them, patients experienced an approximately 75% reduction in body fat, while only 25% of the loss was muscle, a significant result compared to existing medications such as Ozempic and Wegovywhich often cause more substantial muscle losses.

What’s the difference?

Unlike other weight loss medications, where decreased muscle mass may be a concern, Altimmune suggests that pemviductide can replicate the benefits of exercise without the need for intense physical activity.

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The drug, similar to tirzepatide, combines a GLP-1 drug with glucagon in a single dose, with the aim of not only suppressing appetite but also mimicking the positive effects of weight lifting.

“We are seeing a growing recognition that the quality of weight loss is as important as the quantity,” said Scott Harris, chief medical officer at Altimmune. “We believe that, if approved, pemviductide could become a highly attractive option for weight loss and maintenance.”

The test

According to the study, 74.5% of weight loss among 391 participants came from adipose tissue, while only 25.5% came from lean mass, results comparable to the effects historically associated with diet and exercise, as reported by the pharmaceutical company. .

The medicine pemviductide combines the hormone GLP-1, a key component of Ozempic and Wegovy, with the hormone glucagon, a combination the company is also testing to treat a common form of liver disease called steatohepatitis associated with metabolic dysfunction, or MASH.

In November, the company announced that more than 30% of participants who received a 2.4-milligram dose of pemviductide achieved 20% weight loss in 48 weeks.

Dispute

While Altimmune leads with pemviductide, other pharmaceutical companies are also addressing concerns about muscle loss.

In July, Eli Lilly acquired Versanis, a biopharmaceutical company, for $1.9 billion, focusing on the development of bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody that aims to preserve muscle mass during weight loss.

The same antibody is being tested in conjunction with semaglutide in clinical trials conducted by Eli Lilly.

*With exam information