Rivus Pharmaceuticals to Present New Data from Phase 2a HuMAIN Trial of HU6 for the Treatment of Obesity-Related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction at Heart Failure Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting 2024
September 23, 2024 / Rivus Pharma / Obesity-related Heart Failure / Weight Loss Preservation
Rivus Pharmaceuticals’ Phase 2a HuMAIN trial of HU6, targeting obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), achieved significant weight loss while preserving muscle mass. Results will be presented at the 2024 HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting.
Tackling Global Obesity: The New, Holistic Frontier for Clinical Trials
September 23, 2024 / Global Obesity Crisis / Obesity Clinical Trials / SDOH / Patient-centered Obesity Research
Addressing global obesity requires holistic, patient-centered clinical trials focusing on multidisciplinary endpoints beyond weight loss. Efforts include new therapies, personalized retention strategies, and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) for diverse patient populations.
The multifactorial effect of obesity on the effectiveness and outcomes of cancer therapies
September 23, 2024 / Obesity / Cancer / Cancer Therapy / Obesity-related Cancer Complications
Obesity, particularly with low muscle mass, impacts cancer therapy outcomes, increasing complications, toxicities, and mortality risks. Multidisciplinary strategies addressing body composition, dose optimization, and sarcopenia are vital for improving treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.
Potential THR-beta agonist may more safely, effectively treat MASH
September 23, 2024 / MASH Therapy / Liver Fat Reduction / Fatty Liver Disease Treatment
Aligos Therapeutics’ THR-beta agonist, ALG-055009, significantly reduced liver fat in MASH patients with a favorable safety profile, including lower gastrointestinal side effects. A Phase 2b trial is planned for mid-2025 to further assess its efficacy.
Cutting ultra-processed food consumption could lower type 2 diabetes risk
September 21, 2024 / University College London / Type 2 Diabetes / Metabolic Health
A University College London study found that reducing ultra-processed food intake significantly lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Replacing these foods with minimally processed alternatives improves metabolic health and reduces diabetes risk.
Novel oral drug linked to weight loss in people with obesity, metabolic syndrome
September 20, 2024 / Monlunabant Obesity Treatment / Weight Loss Trial / Metabolic Syndrome / Novo Nordisk
Monlunabant, a novel oral cannabinoid receptor 1 inverse agonist, showed significant weight loss in people with obesity and metabolic syndrome during a Phase 2a trial. A Phase 2b trial is planned for 2025 to optimize dosing and safety.
Lipid biomarkers in children with obesity linked to future cardiometabolic risks
September 20, 2024 / Obesity / Lipid Biomarkers / Cardiometablic Risk / Childhood Obesity / Type 2 Diabetes
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen identified lipid biomarkers in children with obesity that predict future cardiometabolic risks like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Early lifestyle interventions reduced these biomarkers, highlighting the importance of early obesity management.
Optimal fasting duration for mice as assessed by metabolic status
September 15, 2024 / Metabolic Research / Animal Welfare / Blood Glucose
This study examined optimal fasting duration in mice fed low- or high-fat diets, revealing that 6-hour fasts maintain metabolic stability without causing significant blood glucose fluctuations. The findings aim to optimize experimental design and animal welfare.
Novel Blood Test Identifies Early Metabolic Risks in Children With Obesity
September 20, 2024 / Lipid Biomarker / Childhood Obesity / Early Metabolic Risk Detection / Blood Test / Diabetes in Children / Pediatric Obesity
A new blood test using lipid biomarkers can detect early metabolic risks, such as diabetes and heart disease, in children with obesity. Early detection through this method could guide timely interventions to prevent future complications.
Novo Nordisk Experimental Obesity Pill Achieved Limited Extra Weight-Loss at Higher Doses
September 20, 2024 / Monunabant Weight Loss Trial / Novo Nordisk Obesity Pill / Obesity Treatment
Novo Nordisk’s experimental obesity pill, Monlunabant, showed limited additional weight loss at higher doses in a Phase 2a trial. The lowest dose led to a 6.4% body weight reduction, with plans for a Phase 2b trial in 2025.
6 Comorbidities of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
September 20, 2024 /MASLD Comorbidities / NAFLD / Metabolic Liver Disease Risk
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now known as MASLD, is associated with comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes can help manage MASLD and prevent its progression to MASH.
Aligos reports positive data from Phase IIa MASH treatment trial
September 20, 2024 / MASH Liver Fat Reduction / Aligos Therapeutics / Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta Agonist / MASH Treatment
Aligos Therapeutics’ Phase IIa HERALD trial of ALG-055009, a thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist, showed significant reductions in liver fat in MASH patients. Up to 70% of subjects experienced a ≥30% fat reduction after 12 weeks of treatment.
Managing Postmenopausal Weight Gain Starts With Behavioral Changes Before Menopause
September 20, 2024 / Postmenopausal Weight Management / Menopause / Metabolic Health / Behavioral Changes
Managing postmenopausal weight gain, linked to increased morbidity, requires early behavioral changes. Dr. Donna Willenbrock emphasizes individualized nutrition, exercise, and stress management strategies during perimenopause to prevent weight gain and reduce long-term health risks.
Cellular sludge around hunger neurons linked to worsening diabetes and obesity
September 19, 2024 / Hypothalamic Inflammation / Obesity / Diabetes / Insulin Resistance / Hypothalamic Obesity
A study published in Nature links hypothalamic inflammation and fibrotic buildup in the brain’s extracellular matrix (ECM) to worsening insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, contributing to obesity and diabetes by disrupting hunger-regulating neurons’ insulin sensitivity.
Hypothalamic ECM remodeling drives insulin resistance, contributing to obesity and diabetes
September 10, 2024 / Hypothalamic ECM Remodeling / Insulin Resistance / Obesity / Metabolic Disease
A Nature study reveals that hypothalamic extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling around ARC neurons impairs insulin signaling, driving insulin resistance and promoting obesity and diabetes. Disassembling this neurofibrosis improved glucose regulation and reduced adiposity in obese mice.
Weight Loss Drugs May Help To Fight Fatty Liver Disease
September 19, 2024 / MASLD / Liver Fat Metabolism / GLP-1 Agonists Fatty Loiver Treatment / Weight Loss
A Yale study found that drugs boosting glucagon, including weight loss medications like GLP-1 agonists, enhance liver fat metabolism and could help treat MASLD (fatty liver disease) by increasing energy expenditure and reducing liver fat deposits.
Cardiometabolic risk factors in apparently healthy individuals linked to altered coronary microcirculation
September 19, 2024 / Cardiometabolic Risk Factors / Heart Health / Cardiovascular Risk Prediction
A CNIC study found that impaired coronary microvascular function in asymptomatic middle-aged individuals is linked to cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis, emphasizing its role as an early predictor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis progression.
Brain goop that traps hunger neurons drives obesity
September 18, 2024 / Insulin Resistance / Obesity / Metabolic Disease / Brain Scaffolding
A Nature study reveals that sticky extracellular matrix “goo” in the brain’s hypothalamus traps hunger neurons, worsening insulin resistance and driving obesity. Clearing this “goo” improved insulin uptake and led to weight loss in mice, suggesting new drug targets.