Altimmune Expands GLP-1 Agonist Testing into Alcohol-Related Disorders Amid Takeover Rumors

Altimmune, a Maryland-based biopharmaceutical company, has announced plans to broaden the scope of testing for its GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist, pemvidutide, into alcohol-related disorders. This strategic move comes as the company faces speculation about potential takeover offers from multiple suitors, signaling a period of significant development and industry interest in Altimmune's pipeline.

Pemvidutide's Expansion into Alcohol Use Disorder and Liver Disease

During a virtual R&D event, Altimmune unveiled its intention to launch two new Phase II trials for pemvidutide. The first, targeting alcohol use disorder (AUD), is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2025. This study will primarily assess the change in the number of heavy drinking days after 24 weeks of treatment. A second trial, focusing on alcohol-related liver disease, is set to begin in the third quarter, with liver stiffness as the primary endpoint.

William Blair analysts Andy Hsieh and Alexandra Ramsey commented on the expansion, stating, "AUD and [alcohol-related liver disease] are logical extensions for evaluation of pemvidutide's efficacy, given its mechanisms of action." This move aligns Altimmune with industry leaders such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, who are also exploring GLP-1 agonists for alcohol- and liver-related conditions.

Pemvidutide's Progress in Obesity and MASH

Altimmune's pemvidutide has shown promising results in other indications. In the Phase II MOMENTUM trial for obesity, completed in June 2024, the drug demonstrated a 15.6% weight loss at its highest dose. Notably, approximately 80% of the weight lost was attributed to fat loss, with only about one-fifth coming from lean muscle mass reduction.

The company is also advancing pemvidutide in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Phase Ib data revealed normalization of liver fat content in over half of the patients after 12 weeks of treatment, results Altimmune described as "class-leading." The ongoing Phase IIb IMPACT trial in MASH is expected to yield data in the second quarter of 2025.

Takeover Rumors and Market Response

As Altimmune expands its clinical programs, the company has become the subject of takeover speculation. According to a report by SeekingAlpha, citing the British website Betaville, three major pharmaceutical companies are reportedly pursuing Altimmune. The company is said to be working with an adviser regarding these offers, though Altimmune has not officially commented on the rumors.

The market has responded positively to both the expansion news and takeover speculation, with Altimmune's shares closing up nearly 14% following the announcements. The company is also reportedly seeking a partner to advance pemvidutide into Phase III trials, further fueling industry interest in its pipeline.