Noninvasive Tests of Central Adiposity Correlate with Reductions in MRI-Measured Visceral Adipose Tissue Mass in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity Treated with Pemvidutide

Introduction and Objective: Pemvidutide is a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist in development for the treatment of obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. We examined the potential of non-invasive tests of central adiposity for estimating changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass. Methods: Subjects with overweight (BMI 27.0-29.9 kg/m2) and at least one obesity-related comorbidity or obesity (BMI >30.0 kg/m2) were randomized 1:1:1:1 to pemvidutide (1.2, 1.8, 2.4 mg) or placebo administered weekly by the subcutaneous route for 48 weeks. Changes in waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body roundness index (BRI) were compared to changes in VAT assessed in a body composition substudy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: A total of 67 subjects participated in the MRI substudy. Mean baseline age, weight, BMI, VAT mass, WHtR and BRI were 53 yrs, 100.1 kg, 36.2 kg/m2, 4.9 kg, 0.67, and 7.31, respectively. VAT mass decreased by up to 28.3% at the 2.4 mg dose at Week 48. Percent changes in BRI and WHtR strongly correlated with percent changes in VAT (Figure 1A and 1B; root mean square error: 12.5% and 12.7%, respectively). Conclusion: BRI and WHtR may be useful for estimating VAT mass changes resulting from pemvidutide treatment. Disclosure: S. Tomah: Employee; Altimmune Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Altimmune Inc. M. Harris: Employee; Altimmune Inc. J.J. Suschak: Employee; Altimmune Inc. J. Yang: Employee; Altimmune Inc. M.S. Roberts: Employee; Altimmune Inc. S.K. Browne: Employee; Altimmune Inc.