Science News · Science

Experimental Drug CBL-514 Shows Promise in Reducing Visceral Fat

An experimental drug, CBL-514, has demonstrated the ability to eliminate fat cells, specifically targeting visceral fat, which poses significant health risks.

CBL-514 induces apoptosis, a programmed cell death, in fat cells. In clinical trials, participants who received injections of the drug in their lower abdomens experienced a reduction in visceral fat, the dangerous fat surrounding internal organs.

Unlike traditional weight loss methods that merely shrink fat cells, CBL-514 appears to destroy them, preventing them from re-enlarging.

Previous studies had shown CBL-514's effectiveness in reducing subcutaneous fat. The new research focused on its impact on visceral fat, which is linked to inflammation and various health issues.

In a subset of participants from two small clinical trials, MRIs were used to monitor visceral fat levels. Participants, with a range of weights, received either CBL-514 injections or a placebo every three weeks for up to 12 weeks.

Four weeks post-treatment, the CBL-514 group showed an average decrease of nearly 71 mL of visceral fat, while the placebo group saw an increase of about 31 mL.

Measurements taken eight to 12 weeks after treatment indicated a sustained reduction in visceral fat for the CBL-514 group, averaging a loss of nearly 63 mL, compared to a gain in the placebo group. These findings suggest potential health benefits by reducing visceral fat, a contributor to diabetes and heart disease.

Larger clinical trials are currently underway to further evaluate the drug's efficacy and safety.

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