HFSA

HFSA 2024: Novel metabolic accelerator may aid weight loss in obesity-related heart failure

October 9, 2024

The novel metabolic accelerator HU6 led to statistically significant weight loss in patients with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, HU6 didn’t improve peak exercise oxygen uptake, nor did it result in demonstrable improvements in CV and inflammatory biomarkers.

The HuMAIN-HFpEF trial assessed the efficacy of HU6 in 66 individuals (56% female; 17% Black) with chronic stable obesity-related HFpEF. Participants were randomized to receive three escalating doses of HU6 (150, 300, and 450 mg) or placebo over 134 days. Primary endpoint was change in body weight, while change in peak oxygen uptake was a key secondary endpoint. Other outcomes included safety, body fat, quality-of-life measures, exercise time, epicardial and visceral fat, and inflammatory biomarkers.

Key findings

In total, 57 participants completed the study. After three months, patients taking 450 mg of HU6 experienced significant weight loss relative to baseline (-6.8 pounds, p<0.0001) and significant weight loss compared with placebo-treated patients (-6.3 pounds, p=0.003). Improvements weren't seen for peak exercise oxygen uptake from maximal cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing nor in cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers.

Sources:

Pandey, A., et al. A Novel Controlled Metabolic Accelerator For The Treatment Of Obesity-related Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: HuMAIN-HFpEF Trial. Late-Breaking Clinical Research Session II. Presented at: HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2024; September 27-30, 2024. Atlanta, GA. https://hfsa.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/HFSA2024_LBCR_Monday_FINAL.pdf

PR Newswire. (2024, September 30). Rivus Pharmaceuticals Announces New Clinical Data from Phase 2a HuMAIN Trial Demonstrating Significant Weight Loss with HU6 in Patients with Obesity-Related Heart Failure. [News release]. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rivus-pharmaceuticals-announces-new-clinical-data-from-phase-2a-humain-trial-demonstrating-significant-weight-loss-with-hu6-in-patients-with-obesity-related-heart-failure-302262028.html