Pemvidutide: Mechanism, Research & UK Safety Profile
Also known as: ALT-801
Investigational once-weekly GLP-1 / glucagon dual receptor agonist developed by Altimmune. Phase 2 programmes in obesity (MOMENTUM) and MASH (IMPACT). Not licensed for human therapeutic use in the UK.
Overview
Pemvidutide (ALT-801) is an investigational GLP-1 / glucagon dual agonist. Phase 2 data in obesity and MASH have been reported with reductions in body weight and hepatic fat. The molecule is investigational across all major jurisdictions at the time of review.
Discovery & Research History
Pemvidutide originates from Altimmune's peptide platform. The MOMENTUM phase 2 obesity programme and the IMPACT phase 2 MASH programme have reported topline data during 2023-2024.
Mechanism of Action
Dual agonism of GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. The fixed-ratio design balances incretin-driven appetite suppression with glucagon-driven energy expenditure and hepatic fat reduction.
Researched Effects
- Body-weight reduction in phase 2 obesity studies.
- Hepatic fat reduction by MRI-PDFF in MASH-focused phase 2 data.
- Reduction in serum lipid markers in some reported analyses.
Theoretical Research Protocols
- Dosage range
- Trial-arm doses are research records.
- Frequency
- Once weekly in trial protocols.
- Duration
- Up to 48 weeks in reported designs.
- Administration routes
- Subcutaneous (clinical trial setting)
Safety Profile
Common side effects (research)
- Gastrointestinal events consistent with the GLP-1 / glucagon class.
- Injection-site reactions.
Rare risks
- Heart-rate increase under monitoring as a class signal.
- Long-term safety to be characterised.
Contraindications
- Investigational — eligibility per trial protocol.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding excluded.
UK Regulatory Status
United Kingdom (MHRA): Investigational. Not MHRA-licensed.
European Union (EMA): Investigational.
Notes: Use restricted to authorised research.
Related research resources
Key Research Studies
Altimmune MOMENTUM phase 2 obesity programme
Phase 2 obesity programme of pemvidutide. Topline readouts during 2023-2024; refer to current ClinicalTrials.gov records for results.
Safety and efficacy of 24 weeks of pemvidutide in MASLD — a randomised controlled phase 2 trial (Altimmune IMPACT)
Randomised, controlled phase 2 trial of pemvidutide in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, reporting reductions in hepatic fat by MRI-PDFF and improvements in liver-injury markers.
Read sourceFrequently Asked Questions
What is pemvidutide?
An investigational GLP-1 / glucagon dual receptor agonist developed by Altimmune. Phase 2 programmes for obesity and MASH have read out; phase 3 development is the next step.
Is pemvidutide licensed?
No. Pemvidutide is investigational worldwide at the time of review.
Related trials
No published trials yet linked to this page. Source verification required.