Altimmune's Fatty Liver Candidate Faces Differentiation Doubts

Core Insights - Altimmune, Inc. released topline results from the IMPACT Phase 2b trial of pemvidutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe liver disease [1] Group 1: Trial Details - The Phase 2b trial included 212 participants with biopsy-confirmed MASH and fibrosis stages F2/F3, randomized to receive either weekly subcutaneous pemvidutide at 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg doses, or placebo for 24 weeks [2] - Treatment discontinuation rates were low, with only 9% of participants prematurely discontinuing treatment [3] Group 2: Efficacy Results - In an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the proportions of participants achieving MASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis at 24 weeks were 59.1% for pemvidutide 1.2 mg, 52.1% for 1.8 mg, and 19.1% for placebo (p< 0.0001 for both doses) [3] - The effects on fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH were 31.8% for pemvidutide 1.2 mg, 34.5% for 1.8 mg, compared to 25.9% for placebo, although these differences were not statistically significant [4] Group 3: Analyst Ratings - HC Wainwright reiterated a Buy rating for Altimmune with a price forecast of $12, believing the data supports advancing pemvidutide to Phase 3 and strengthens its case as a potential best-in-class therapy [5] - Conversely, William Blair maintained a Market Perform rating, citing "underwhelming" results and concerns about demonstrating significant fibrosis improvement at the 48-week mark [6] Group 4: Stock Performance - ALT stock is trading lower by 1.80% to $3.545 at last check [7]