New Fat-Targeting Injection Shows Promise for Flatter Stomach and Reduced Visceral Fat

A new generation of weight loss injection, known as CBL-514, is showing potential to reduce stubborn subcutaneous fat, leading to a "flatter stomach" in a few months, according to research presented by U.S. scientists.

Beyond cosmetic effects, the drug also demonstrated a reduction in dangerous visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs and is linked to increased risks of heart attack, diabetes, and stroke. Researchers at the University of Alabama, in collaboration with drug developer Caliway Biopharmaceuticals, conducted a phase 2 clinical trial involving 41 participants.

Results indicated that 70% of patients treated with CBL-514 experienced significant reductions in the fat layer just beneath the skin. Over eight weeks, approximately three-quarters of participants lost at least 150ml of visible fat. After a month of last treatment, those receiving CBL-514 saw about a 12% decrease in visceral fat, compared to an almost 6% increase in the placebo group. Two months post-treatment, visceral fat in the drug group was about 10% lower than at the study's start, while the placebo group saw an 11.8% increase.

Unlike common weight loss injections that mimic GLP-1 to induce fullness, CBL-514 works by triggering the self-destruction of fat cells. In animal studies, CBL-514 also reduced visceral fat levels, potentially lowering the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The injection was generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being redness and pain at the injection site.

The trial also explored the use of CBL-514 in conjunction with tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Animal studies suggested this combination could enhance weight loss effects and reduce weight regain when tirzepatide treatment was stopped, possibly because destroying fat cells limits the capacity for fat accumulation.

While current weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are effective, studies indicate that many users regain weight within two years of discontinuation. The hope is that CBL-514 could offer a more lasting solution, contributing to sustained improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, though further research is needed to confirm this.

Dr. Timothy Garvey, an expert in metabolic diseases at the University of Alabama, noted the potential for both cosmetic and health benefits. "We expect that patients will be pleased by the cosmetic effects, such as the flatter stomach that can come with subcutaneous fat loss," he said. "But it is the reduction in body weight, loss of visceral fat and the improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and the like that should be associated with this that will be important for health."

Experts not involved in the study offered cautious optimism. Dr. Marie Spreckley from the University of Cambridge described the results as "encouraging" but stressed the need for larger trials with longer follow-up periods to verify the duration of fat reduction and its impact on overall health.

Professor Justin Rochford of the University of Aberdeen highlighted the drug's potential utility, noting its original development for localized fatty lumps. However, he cautioned that its success would depend on demonstrating that it does not increase fat accumulation in other organs.

Two phase 3 trials are planned to further evaluate CBL-514's safety and efficacy in reducing belly fat. The findings emerge amid research into other combination therapies, such as EloraTZP, which combines tirzepatide with eloralintide and has shown significant weight loss in trials.