Rhythm’s Oral MC4R Agonist Bivamelagon Shows Promising Results in Rare Obesity Type

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals’ investigational oral drug bivamelagon, targeting the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), achieved significant reductions in body mass index (BMI) in a Phase II study of patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity, a rare and difficult-to-treat form of obesity34.

In the 14-week trial, high-dose (600mg) bivamelagon produced a 9.3% average BMI reduction, the medium dose (400mg) 7.7%, and the low dose (200mg) 2.7%. The placebo group saw a 2.2% increase in BMI3.

The drug also improved patient hunger scores, with high- and medium-dose groups reducing hunger by more than 2.8 points on a ten-point scale; the placebo group reported a mean increase in hunger3.

Bivamelagon’s safety and tolerability profile was consistent with previous MC4R agonist therapies, and patients can continue in a 52-week open-label extension3.

These results exceed expectations for this niche population, as no approved therapies currently exist for acquired hypothalamic obesity3.

Rhythm is moving bivamelagon into Phase III studies based on these positive outcomes3.

Sources:

3. https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/rhythm-stock-climbs-encouraging-obesity-data/

4. https://ir.rhythmtx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rhythm-pharmaceuticals-announces-oral-mc4r-agonist-bivamelagon