In clinical trials
Digestive & weight
Pemvidutide
Pemvidutide is an investigational GLP-1 and glucagon dual agonist studied for MASH and obesity. Learn how it works and what Phase 2 trials have found so far.
- Reviewed by
- William Maish, MD MBA MPH, Clinical Product Lead
- Published
- October 5, 2026
- Last updated
- October 5, 2026
Key takeaway
Pemvidutide is an investigational GLP-1 and glucagon dual-receptor agonist, developed by Altimmune as a once-weekly injection for liver disease (MASH) and obesity. In Phase 2 trials it reduced liver fat and body weight, and a Phase 3 program in MASH is being planned. As of 2026 it is not approved anywhere.
At a glance
| FDA status | Investigational peptide, not approved by the FDA or any regulator |
| What it is | GLP-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist given as a once-weekly injection |
| Research | Human evidence from Phase 2 trials in MASH, fatty liver, and obesity |
| Development | A Phase 3 MASH program is being planned |
| Evidence strength | Moderate research |
What is pemvidutide?
Pemvidutide is an experimental dual-receptor agonist that activates the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, developed by Altimmune under the code ALT-801. It is given as a once-weekly injection and is being developed primarily for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a form of fatty liver disease, as well as for obesity. It is investigational and not approved.
How does it work?
Pemvidutide combines two hormone actions. The GLP-11 arm reduces appetite and supports weight loss, while the glucagon arm2 acts directly on the liver to stimulate fat burning and reduce fat production. The rationale for pairing them is to combine weight loss with a direct effect on liver fat, which is relevant to MASH. This describes the proposed mechanism, separate from patient outcomes.
Is it FDA-approved?
No. Pemvidutide is investigational and not approved. According to Altimmune, the lead focus is MASH, with a Phase 3 program being planned following positive Phase 2b results, and an obesity Phase 2 program has also been completed.
What does the research show?
The evidence is from Phase 2 studies, two of them indexed on PubMed:
| Trial | Population | Result |
| Phase 2b IMPACT2 trial | Biopsy-confirmed MASH | Positive results on liver endpoints at 24 weeks of an ongoing trial |
| Phase 1b/2a study3 | Fatty liver | Large relative reductions in liver fat along with weight loss over 24 weeks |
| Phase 2 obesity trial, reported by the company (not yet peer-reviewed) | Obesity | Meaningful weight loss at the top dose |
These are positive Phase 2 findings; no Phase 3 trial has been completed, so efficacy is not yet established at the confirmatory level.
More for digestive & weight
Sources: the Phase 2b IMPACT trial (Noureddin et al., The Lancet, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)02114-22) and a Phase 1b/2a fatty-liver study (Browne et al., JHEP Reports, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2025.1014833), both indexed on PubMed; and Altimmune development updates. This document is educational, is not medical advice or a health claim, and is not an offer to sell any product.