Vivani Medical, Inc. (VANI) has revealed positive preclinical results for its exenatide implant, showcasing its potential to address obesity and related metabolic disorders. The implant, designed to deliver the drug exenatide (marketed as Byetta and Bydureon for type 2 diabetes), has demonstrated a substantial reduction in liver fat in obese mice.
In preclinical studies, the exenatide implant achieved an 82% reduction in liver fat compared to a sham implant, using a single administration with expected twice-yearly dosing. This reduction in liver fat aligns with published research findings on semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy.
Vivani’s exenatide implant has also shown promising weight loss results in previous studies. In a 28-day trial involving high-fat diet-induced obese mice, the implant led to an approximate 20% weight loss compared to a sham implant control, mirroring the weight loss observed in the semaglutide active control arm.
These positive findings have prompted Vivani to move forward with its first human clinical trial, LIBERATE-1, which is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. Results are anticipated in 2025.
“The reduction in liver fat observed preclinically with our miniature, subdermal exenatide implant provides further support that the NanoPortal implant technology continues to hold great potential as a highly differentiated treatment option for the treatment of obesity and chronic weight management as well as related metabolic disorders…Our first clinical study, LIBERATE-1, is anticipated to start in the fourth quarter of 2024 with results in 2025,” stated Adam Mendelsohn, Vivani President and CEO.
This advancement in obesity treatment underscores Vivani’s commitment to developing innovative solutions for chronic weight management. The company’s exenatide implant, with its potential for long-term efficacy and convenient dosing, holds significant promise for addressing the global obesity epidemic.
