Pemvidutide

Metabolic / Weight Loss

Also known as: ALT-801, Pemvidutide Acetate

GLP-1/Glucagon Dual AgonistsResearch phase: Phase 2 (MASH and obesity)Regulatory: Investigational. Not approved by any regulatory agency.

Mechanism

Pemvidutide is a dual-acting peptide that activates both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. The GLP-1 component reduces appetite and improves blood sugar, while the glucagon component increases energy expenditure and promotes fat burning in the liver. This combination makes it particularly promising for fatty liver disease (MASH) alongside weight loss.

Technical detail

Pemvidutide is a synthetic dual GLP-1R/GCGR agonist peptide. GLP-1R activation provides incretin-based glucose control and appetite suppression. Glucagon receptor co-agonism increases hepatic fatty acid oxidation, energy expenditure via thermogenesis, and reduces hepatic de novo lipogenesis. The glucagon component drives preferential hepatic fat mobilization, making it particularly relevant for MASH/NAFLD. Administered subcutaneously with a half-life supporting weekly dosing.

Evidence

Efficacy and safety of pemvidutide in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: a GRADE-assessed meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Rajab I et al. (2026) — Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol — PMID: 41879841
GRADE-assessed meta-analysis synthesized randomized pemvidutide data in steatotic liver disease/MASH and supported a favorable efficacy and safety signal, providing higher-level summary evidence beyond single trials.
moderate
Effect of pemvidutide, a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist, on MASLD: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Harrison SA et al. (2025) — J Hepatol — PMID: 39002641
12-week randomized placebo-controlled MASLD trial (n=94) showed major liver fat reductions versus placebo, with 68.5% median LFC reduction at 1.8 mg, 55.6% normalization to ≤5% LFC at 1.8 mg, additional weight loss, and no severe or serious adverse events.
strong
Safety and efficacy of 24 weeks of pemvidutide in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.
Browne SK et al. (2025) — JHEP Rep — PMID: 41113119
24-week extension study in MASLD showed sustained benefit: liver fat fell 56.3%-76.4% across dose groups versus 14.0% for placebo, 84.6% achieved ≥50% liver fat reduction at 1.8 mg, and body weight fell 6.2% with low side-effect rates.
strong

Build a personalized protocol with Pemvidutide →