New weight-loss injection targets fat cells: CBL-514 selectively induces apoptosis of fat cells

The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Milan, Italy, is set to unveil a novel injection called CBL-514, which selectively triggers fat cell apoptosis (self-destruction) while leaving other cells unharmed. This drug, developed by Caliway Biopharmaceuticals in New Taipei City, Taiwan, has demonstrated promising results in reducing both subcutaneous (pinchable) and visceral (abdominal) fat in phase 2 clinical trials.

In these trials, 69.6% of participants treated with CBL-514 achieved a reduction of at least 150 mL in subcutaneous fat volume after eight weeks, compared to none of those receiving a placebo. In preclinical animal studies, CBL-514 led to weight loss and reduced both subcutaneous and visceral fat. When combined with the GLP1-RAs tirzepatide, CBL-514 resulted in greater weight loss and less weight regain when tirzepatide was discontinued.

The drug's developers hope that CBL-514 will help prevent weight regain after stopping GLP1-RAs, thereby maintaining the health benefits of weight loss such as improved blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. In a subgroup analysis of phase 2 trial participants, MRI scans revealed that CBL-514 reduced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume by 10.45% compared to an 11.76% increase with placebo at 8-12 weeks after treatment.

Most side effects were mild to moderate and temporary, such as injection site pain, swelling, and redness. Current trials are preparing for a phase 3 study to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of CBL-514 for nonsurgical abdominal fat reduction.