Altimmune Expands Testing of GLP-1 Agonist for Alcohol-Related Disorders

Altimmune, a Maryland-based biopharmaceutical company, has announced plans to broaden the clinical testing of its GLP-1/glucagon agonist, pemvidutide, into alcohol-related disorders. This move positions the company alongside industry giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in exploring the potential of GLP-1 agonists beyond obesity treatment.

New Clinical Trials for Alcohol Use Disorder and Liver Disease

During a virtual R&D event, Altimmune revealed its intention to initiate two new Phase II trials:

1. A study focusing on alcohol use disorder (AUD), scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2023.
2. A trial targeting alcohol-related liver disease, set to commence in the third quarter of 2023.

The primary endpoint for the AUD study will measure the change in the number of heavy drinking days after 24 weeks of treatment. For the liver disease study, researchers will assess liver stiffness as a non-invasive proxy for liver health.

William Blair analysts Andy Hsieh and Alexandra Ramsey commented on the announcement, stating, "In our view, AUD and [alcohol-related liver disease] are logical extensions for evaluation of pemvidutide's efficacy, given its mechanisms of action."

Pemvidutide's Potential in Obesity and Liver Disorders

Altimmune's expansion into alcohol-related disorders follows promising results from its Phase II MOMENTUM trial, which tested pemvidutide for obesity treatment. The company reported a 15.6% weight loss at the highest dose, with approximately 80% of the reduction attributed to fat loss rather than lean muscle mass.

In addition to the new alcohol-related studies, Altimmune is currently conducting the Phase II IMPACT study, evaluating pemvidutide's efficacy in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Industry Competition and Partnership Opportunities

Altimmune's move into alcohol-related disorders places it in direct competition with pharmaceutical giants:

• Eli Lilly is conducting a Phase II trial of its GLP-1 agonist mazdutide for AUD.
• Novo Nordisk is testing semaglutide, an amylin analogue, and an FGF21 analogue for alcoholic liver disease.

As Altimmune seeks to advance pemvidutide into Phase III trials, the company is actively searching for a partner to support further development.