Experimental Injection Shows Promise in Reducing Dangerous Visceral Fat
Early human trials indicate CBL-514 may effectively target and decrease abdominal fat surrounding vital organs, potentially mitigating associated health risks.
An experimental injection, known as CBL-514, has demonstrated potential in reducing visceral fat, the dangerous type of fat that accumulates deep within the abdomen and surrounds internal organs, according to early human trials. This type of fat is closely linked to metabolic issues, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart failure.
Research published by the American Heart Association has highlighted that visceral fat is a stronger predictor of heart failure risk than body mass index (BMI). The trials, led by Dr. W. Timothy Garvey of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Yu-Fang Ling of Caliway Biopharmaceuticals, specifically investigated CBL-514's ability to diminish these fat deposits.
Previous phase 2 trials had already indicated that CBL-514 could reduce subcutaneous fat, the layer directly beneath the skin. The recent trials utilized MRI scans to compare participants receiving CBL-514 with those receiving a placebo. Results showed a decrease in visceral fat among those treated with CBL-514, while the placebo group experienced an increase.
Participants in the trials were administered injections of CBL-514 into their lower abdomen every three weeks for up to 12 weeks, with doses reaching 600 milligrams. The number of injections was adjusted based on the thickness of the participant's abdominal fat, with fewer injections administered as the fat layer volume decreased.
The mechanism of action for CBL-514 involves selectively triggering apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death, specifically within fat cells, while leaving nearby non-fat cells unharmed. Four weeks after the final treatment, the average volume of fat had reduced by 12.01% in the group that received CBL-514. In contrast, the placebo group saw a 5.68% increase in visceral fat.
While the cosmetic benefit of a flatter stomach due to subcutaneous fat reduction may appeal to patients, researchers emphasized the broader health implications. The injection's ability to decrease overall body weight, improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce visceral fat are considered more significant for overall health outcomes. Unlike liposuction, a common cosmetic procedure that cannot remove visceral fat, CBL-514 targets this deep abdominal fat and its associated health risks.