Pemvidutide is an investigational peptide with balanced 1:1 glucagon/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist activity, in development for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). The activation of glucagon receptors results in direct effects on the liver, while GLP-1 receptors mediate metabolic effects such as appetite suppression and weight loss and are involved in pathways related to craving and reward. The proprietary EuPort structure prolongs serum half-life and likely contributes to controlled absorption, allowing for weekly dosing and potentially reduced gastrointestinal side effects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Fast Track designations to pemvidutide for the treatment of MASH and AUD, as well as Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MASH.
Pemvidutide was evaluated in the 48-week IMPACT Phase 2b trial in MASH, which demonstrated statistically significant histological MASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis in up to 58% of patients, against 20% in placebo at 24 weeks. Non-invasive tests (NITs) including liver stiffness measurement (FibroScan®); Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score (ELF); cT1; PRO-C3; ALT (Alanine aminotransferase); and MRI-PDFF (Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Proton Density Fat Fraction), as well as measures of combined NITs supported the resolution of MASH and were consistent with reductions in liver fibrosis. These findings were further supported by analyses using HistoIndex qFibrosis® and Liver Explore.
After 48 weeks of treatment, NITs of liver fibrosis were further improved compared to those seen at 24 weeks. Measures of combined NITs showed that the proportion of patients achieving both a ≥0.5 reduction in ELF and a ≥30% reduction in Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) at week 48 was 27.8% for pemvidutide 1.2 mg (p<0.001) and 32.4% for pemvidutide 1.8 mg (p<0.0001), compared to 3.2% with placebo. Pemvidutide demonstrated a generally well-tolerated safety and tolerability profile without dose titration leading to improved adherence, with a discontinuation rate of 1%, which was lower than placebo.
In August 2026, the Company initiated the PERFORMA Phase 3 trial, a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of pemvidutide in patients with MASH, which is intended to serve as the registration study for pemvidutide.
Altimmune also continues to advance development of pemvidutide for AUD and ALD. In July 2026, the Company announced positive topline results from the RECLAIM Phase 2 trial in AUD, that showed pemvidutide achieved a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in heavy drinking days, the primary endpoint of the trial. Important secondary endpoints were also met, including a 2-level reduction in World Health Organization risk drinking levels and zero heavy drinking days, both recognized by the FDA as registrational endpoints.
In August 2026, the Company announced that it had completed enrollment of the RESTORE Phase 2 trial in ALD.