Pemvidutide (ALT-801) is a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist being developed by Altimmune for the treatment of obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH/MASH). It is a once-weekly injectable peptide designed to combine GLP-1-mediated appetite suppression with glucagon-mediated increases in energy expenditure and hepatic fat reduction. Phase II trials (MOMENTUM and IMPACT) have been completed, showing promising weight loss and liver fat reduction. Phase III development is anticipated.
Category: Metabolic / Dual GLP-1/Glucagon Agonist. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).
Clinical status: Phase II completed (MOMENTUM for obesity, IMPACT for NASH/MASH). Phase III anticipated.
Pemvidutide is a dual-agonist peptide that activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucagon receptor. The GLP-1 component reduces appetite, promotes satiety, slows gastric emptying, and enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion. The glucagon component promotes hepatic lipid oxidation,…
Research base: 0 registered clinical trials and 1 indexed publication reference Pemvidutide.
Safety considerations: Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite (consistent with GLP-1 agonist class); GI adverse events are dose-dependent and generally transient; similar profile to other GLP-1 agonists; Heart rate increase observed, consistent with GLP-1 agonist class.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Half-life | Suitable for once-weekly dosing (exact value not publicly disclosed) |
|---|---|
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | Investigational. Phase II completed for obesity (MOMENTUM) and NASH (IMPACT). Not FDA-approved. |
Related peptides: Mazdutide, Cotadutide.
Pemvidutide is currently in Phase II development. Phase III trials are anticipated, but no specific timeline for regulatory submission or approval has been announced. If Phase III proceeds smoothly, the earliest possible approval would be several years away.
Pemvidutide activates both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, while semaglutide activates only GLP-1 receptors. The glucagon component is expected to increase energy expenditure and reduce liver fat more effectively. Phase II weight loss (~15.6%) appears competitive with semaglutide, with potential advantages for liver fat reduction.
IMPACT is a Phase II trial specifically testing pemvidutide in patients with NASH/MASH (nonalcoholic/metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). Results showed significant liver fat reduction, supporting pemvidutide's potential for liver disease beyond weight loss alone.
Coverage on this site: FDA panel backs unapproved peptides despite safety concerns, Altimmune's GLP-1/GIP Drug Pemvidutide Cuts Heavy Drinking Days in Mid-Stage Trial, Altimmune Reports Pemvidutide Reduces Drinking in Alcohol Use Disorder Trial.