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Pemvidutide

Also known as: ALT-801

Quick answer

Pemvidutide is a balanced 1:1 GLP-1R/glucagon-receptor dual agonist peptide with FDA Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy Designation for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), but it is not FDA approved. At Verified Peptides, we offer research-grade pemvidutide as a separate product strictly for laboratory research only, not for human use.

What is Pemvidutide?

Pemvidutide, also known by its research code ALT-801, is a balanced dual agonist peptide that targets both the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucagon receptor with a 1:1 potency ratio. This dual receptor activity distinguishes pemvidutide from selective agonists by engaging complementary pathways implicated in metabolic regulation and liver function. Chemically, pemvidutide has a molecular formula of C182H275N39O54 and a molecular weight of 3873.35 g/mol. It is registered under CAS number 2538014-94-5. The compound’s structure and dual agonist profile reflect its investigational role in metabolic and hepatic disorders.

At Verified Peptides, we recognize that pemvidutide is developed by Altimmune, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Altimmune is advancing pemvidutide through clinical development primarily for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), two conditions with significant unmet medical needs. The compound remains investigational and has not received FDA approval for any indication.

Regarding regulatory progress, pemvidutide has achieved important milestones that demonstrate its potential therapeutic relevance and expedite its clinical development. It has been granted FDA Fast Track designation for both MASH and AUD, facilitating more frequent communication and review opportunities with regulatory authorities. Additionally, in January 2026, pemvidutide received Breakthrough Therapy Designation specifically for MASH, a status reserved for investigational drugs that show substantial improvement over existing therapies based on preliminary clinical evidence. These designations do not imply approval but reflect recognition of pemvidutide’s promise in addressing complex metabolic liver disease.

Following completion of Phase 2 studies, Altimmune reached alignment with the FDA during an end-of-Phase-2 meeting on the design of a registrational Phase 3 trial, known as PERFORMA. This pivotal trial will enroll patients with moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis due to MASH and is planned to commence in the second half of 2026. As of this writing, Phase 3 has not yet started, and pemvidutide remains a research compound under investigation.

At Verified Peptides, we supply research-grade pemvidutide for laboratory use, enabling investigators to explore its biochemical properties and mechanistic effects in preclinical and translational research settings. This research-use material is distinct from the pharmaceutical product under clinical development by Altimmune and is intended exclusively for experimental purposes.

For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not FDA approved. Consult a licensed physician.

Key Benefits & Mechanisms

Mechanism of action

Pemvidutide is a balanced dual agonist peptide targeting both the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucagon receptor with approximately equal potency (1:1 ratio). This balanced receptor activation distinguishes pemvidutide from other dual agonists that often exhibit a dominant activity toward either GLP-1R or glucagon receptor. At Verified Peptides, we recognize that this balanced dual agonism is designed to harness complementary metabolic pathways simultaneously, offering a distinct mechanistic approach for metabolic and liver diseases.

Activation of GLP-1R primarily modulates appetite and glucose homeostasis through enhanced satiety signaling and improved insulin secretion. This receptor pathway is well-established in reducing food intake and improving glycemic control, which contributes to weight loss and metabolic benefits. However, GLP-1R agonism alone may have limited direct effects on hepatic lipid metabolism.

Conversely, glucagon receptor activation increases hepatic lipid oxidation and energy expenditure. By stimulating lipolysis and promoting the utilization of fat as an energy source, glucagon receptor agonism can reduce liver fat accumulation. This effect is particularly relevant to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), where excessive hepatic lipid deposition drives inflammation and fibrosis. The glucagon receptor’s role in elevating basal metabolic rate and promoting lipid clearance complements the satiety and glycemic control mediated by GLP-1R activation.

At Verified Peptides, we emphasize that pemvidutide’s balanced dual agonism is hypothesized to synergistically reduce liver fat content and improve metabolic parameters by combining the anorectic and insulinotropic effects of GLP-1R activation with the lipid-oxidizing and energy-expending effects of glucagon receptor stimulation. This mechanism underpins the investigational use of pemvidutide in clinical trials targeting MASH, obesity, and alcohol use disorder (AUD), conditions characterized by metabolic dysregulation and hepatic steatosis.

Specifically, the dual receptor engagement aims to address the multifactorial pathophysiology of MASH by reducing liver fat and fibrosis progression while supporting weight loss and improved metabolic health. Additionally, the mechanism may influence alcohol use disorder through metabolic and neuroendocrine pathways linked to energy balance and reward, although this remains under active investigation.

In summary, pemvidutide’s balanced GLP-1R/glucagon receptor dual agonism represents a novel investigational approach to modulating energy homeostasis, hepatic lipid metabolism, and metabolic disease pathways. At Verified Peptides, we provide research-grade pemvidutide to facilitate laboratory studies exploring this unique mechanism and its potential applications in liver and metabolic disorders.

For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not FDA approved. Consult a licensed physician.

Research Summary

Pemvidutide (code ALT-801) is a balanced dual agonist peptide targeting both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors with a 1:1 potency ratio. At Verified Peptides, we recognize pemvidutide as an investigational compound developed by Altimmune, Inc. for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Its molecular formula is C182H275N39O54, with a molecular weight of 3873.35 g/mol and CAS number 2538014-94-5. While this peptide is under active clinical investigation, it remains unapproved by the FDA, though it has received Fast Track designation for both MASH and AUD, and Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MASH as of January 2026. These regulatory milestones reflect expedited development pathways but do not imply approval or established clinical use.

At Verified Peptides, we highlight two pivotal peer-reviewed clinical trials that have characterized the pharmacodynamic effects of the pharmaceutical formulation of pemvidutide in patients with metabolic steatotic liver disease. The first was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (PMID 39002641) involving 94 participants with body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m2 and liver fat content (LFC) ≥10% measured by MRI-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Participants were randomized equally into four arms receiving once-weekly subcutaneous doses of pemvidutide at 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or placebo. The study stratified participants by type 2 diabetes status and focused on the primary endpoint of relative percentage reduction in liver fat content at 12 weeks. This trial demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in liver fat, establishing a foundation for longer-term evaluation.

Extending this cohort, the second peer-reviewed trial (PMID 41113119, published in JHEP Reports, June 2025) followed 64 participants for an additional 24 weeks, totaling 36 weeks of treatment exposure. Baseline characteristics included a mean BMI of 36.7 kg/m2 and mean LFC of 22.2%, with 26.6% of participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After 24 weeks, relative reductions in liver fat content from baseline were substantial and dose-dependent: 56.3% at 1.2 mg, 75.2% at 1.8 mg, and 76.4% at 2.4 mg, compared to 14.0% in the placebo group. All active arms showed statistically significant improvements over placebo (p<0.001). This extension trial reinforced the sustained efficacy of pemvidutide in reducing hepatic steatosis over a clinically relevant timeframe.

In addition to these peer-reviewed studies, At Verified Peptides note the topline results from the IMPACT Phase 2b trial in MASH, announced by Altimmune in December 2025 and presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress in May 2026. This 48-week study evaluated pemvidutide’s effects on non-invasive fibrosis markers, including the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score and Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM). The topline data demonstrated statistically significant improvements versus placebo in these fibrosis markers, alongside continued weight loss at the 1.8 mg dose without evidence of a weight-loss plateau. Safety and tolerability profiles remained consistent with earlier trials. These topline findings, while not yet peer-reviewed, provide important insights into pemvidutide’s potential impact on liver fibrosis progression and metabolic parameters.

At Verified Peptides, we emphasize that all these clinical investigations utilized the pharmaceutical formulation developed by Altimmune. Our research-grade pemvidutide material is distinct and intended solely for laboratory research purposes to facilitate investigation of the dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor mechanism in vitro and in vivo models. Researchers can access the clinical trial data and regulatory information through PubMed and NIH resources for further study design and contextual understanding.

Preclinical evidence supporting pemvidutide’s mechanism includes translational mouse models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), where the dual receptor agonism demonstrated relevant biological effects on liver disease parameters (PMID 35461369). This foundational research informed subsequent clinical development and continues to support mechanistic exploration using research-grade peptide material.

For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not FDA approved. Consult a licensed physician.

Common Stacks

Pemvidutide and Survodutide At Verified Peptides, we recognize that combining pemvidutide with survodutide offers a strategic approach to investigating the therapeutic potential of dual and multi-receptor agonism in metabolic diseases, particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Pemvidutide is a balanced 1:1 GLP-1 receptor and glucagon receptor dual agonist, demonstrating significant reductions in liver fat content, as evidenced by clinical trials showing a 76.4% reduction at 2.4 mg over 24 weeks compared to placebo. Survodutide, another peptide with multi-receptor activity, complements pemvidutide’s mechanism by targeting additional pathways involved in energy homeostasis, glucose regulation, and lipid metabolism. By studying these peptides together, researchers can gain deeper insight into their combined effects on liver fat reduction, fibrosis markers, and overall metabolic improvements. This combination enables exploration of potential synergistic actions, optimizing receptor engagement profiles that may lead to enhanced efficacy and safety in treating MASH and related metabolic disorders. Pemvidutide and Retatrutide At Verified Peptides, we suggest pairing pemvidutide with retatrutide to explore complementary mechanisms in metabolic regulation and liver health. Pemvidutide is a balanced dual agonist targeting GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, which has demonstrated significant reductions in liver fat content and improvements in metabolic parameters in clinical trials, including a 76.4% liver fat reduction at 2.4 mg over 24 weeks. Retatrutide, on the other hand, is a triple agonist peptide that activates GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, providing a broader receptor engagement that may enhance insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure, and lipid metabolism. Combining these peptides allows researchers to investigate how selective receptor activation versus broader multi-receptor stimulation influences outcomes such as weight loss, hepatic steatosis, and fibrosis. This pairing is valuable for dissecting receptor-specific effects and potential synergistic interactions in preclinical or translational research focused on metabolic disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Pemvidutide and Semaglutide At Verified Peptides, we recommend studying pemvidutide alongside semaglutide to evaluate differences between dual and selective GLP-1 receptor agonism in metabolic research. Semaglutide is a well-characterized GLP-1 receptor agonist extensively used in clinical and research settings for its efficacy in improving glycemic control, reducing body weight, and addressing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related parameters. Pemvidutide, as a balanced 1:1 GLP-1R/glucagon receptor dual agonist, offers a unique mechanism by simultaneously activating glucagon receptors, which may enhance lipid metabolism and promote greater reduction in liver fat content. Clinical trials have demonstrated that pemvidutide significantly reduces liver fat by up to 76.4% at 24 weeks, compared to 14.0% with placebo, suggesting potential benefits beyond those seen with GLP-1R agonism alone. By comparing these two peptides, researchers can better understand the contribution of glucagon receptor activation to metabolic improvements, including effects on hepatic steatosis, fibrosis markers, and overall energy expenditure. This approach supports the development of optimized therapeutic strategies targeting complex metabolic diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Lesser-Known Facts About Pemvidutide

Pemvidutide (code ALT-801) is distinguished by its balanced 1:1 potency ratio as a dual agonist for the GLP-1 receptor and glucagon receptor. At Verified Peptides, we recognize this deliberate design choice sets pemvidutide apart from other dual agonists that often exhibit skewed receptor activity favoring one receptor over the other. This balanced receptor engagement is hypothesized to optimize the therapeutic profile by leveraging the complementary metabolic effects of both GLP-1 and glucagon pathways in a synergistic manner. Such balance may contribute to the compound’s observed efficacy in reducing liver fat content and improving fibrosis markers in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), as well as its benefits in related metabolic conditions.

Before entering human clinical trials, pemvidutide’s mechanism of action was supported by preclinical evidence from a mouse translational model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This earlier research, published under the designation ALT-801 (PMID 35461369), demonstrated the relevance of dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor activation in ameliorating liver disease pathology. At Verified Peptides, we emphasize this preclinical foundation as a critical step that informed the subsequent clinical development strategy, providing proof-of-concept data that helped justify advancing pemvidutide into human studies.

Another notable aspect of pemvidutide’s research profile is its investigation across multiple distinct indications. At Verified Peptides, we highlight that pemvidutide is currently under study not only for MASH but also for obesity and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This breadth of investigation reflects the peptide’s multifaceted metabolic effects and the therapeutic potential of dual receptor agonism beyond a single disease state. The FDA has granted pemvidutide Fast Track designation for both MASH and AUD, as well as Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MASH, underscoring the regulatory recognition of its potential across these diverse indications. Although Phase 3 trials have not yet commenced, the planned registrational trial for MASH patients with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis represents a critical next step in evaluating pemvidutide’s clinical utility.

At Verified Peptides, we supply research-grade pemvidutide for laboratory investigation, enabling researchers to explore its pharmacological properties, receptor interactions, and potential applications in metabolic and liver disease models. This availability supports ongoing efforts to elucidate the compound’s mechanisms and optimize its development as a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist.

For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not FDA approved. Consult a licensed physician.

Purity & Sourcing Considerations

At Verified Peptides, we prioritize the highest standards of quality and reliability for research-grade pemvidutide, recognizing its investigational status and the critical need for rigorous characterization in laboratory settings. Research-grade pemvidutide, distinct from the pharmaceutical formulation under development by Altimmune, Inc., is supplied exclusively for research use and is not intended for human consumption or clinical application. To ensure purity and identity, we implement comprehensive quality assurance protocols including third-party Certificates of Analysis (COA) that verify batch-to-batch consistency.

Each batch of pemvidutide undergoes stringent high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purity testing to confirm that the peptide meets or exceeds established purity thresholds, typically above 95%. This testing is essential to exclude impurities or degradation products that could confound experimental results. Additionally, we employ mass spectrometry to unequivocally confirm the molecular identity of pemvidutide, verifying the molecular formula C182H275N39O54 and molecular weight of 3873.35 g/mol, consistent with the CAS number 2538014-94-5. This dual analytical approach ensures that researchers receive a peptide that aligns with the expected chemical profile of the investigational dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist ALT-801.

At Verified Peptides, we understand the importance of reliable, well-characterized research compounds in advancing the study of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and related conditions. Our commitment to transparency and rigorous testing supports reproducibility and confidence in experimental outcomes. By maintaining strict quality controls and providing detailed analytical documentation, we enable researchers to investigate pemvidutide’s pharmacological properties and potential mechanisms without ambiguity regarding compound integrity.

For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not FDA approved. Consult a licensed physician.

Storage & Stability

At Verified Peptides, we recommend that research-grade pemvidutide, supplied as a lyophilized powder, be stored under conditions optimized for peptide stability to preserve its integrity for laboratory use. Lyophilized pemvidutide should be kept refrigerated at 2–8°C or frozen at –20°C to –80°C for longer-term storage. Avoid exposure to moisture and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as these can degrade peptide quality and reduce experimental reproducibility. Upon reconstitution, typically performed with sterile water or an appropriate buffer, pemvidutide solutions should be used promptly or aliquoted and stored at –20°C to –80°C to minimize degradation. Solutions are generally less stable than the lyophilized form and should not be subjected to multiple freeze-thaw events. Shelf-life of lyophilized pemvidutide depends on storage conditions but is commonly stable for months to a year when maintained properly in a desiccated environment. Researchers should monitor for any changes in appearance, such as discoloration or precipitation, which may indicate peptide degradation. Handling pemvidutide under inert atmosphere or low-light conditions can further protect against oxidative damage. These precautions ensure that pemvidutide retains its biochemical properties for reliable use in in vitro or in vivo experimental models investigating its dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist activity.

For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not FDA approved. Consult a licensed physician.

Frequently asked questions about Pemvidutide

What is Pemvidutide's mechanism of action in the body?

Pemvidutide (code ALT-801, Altimmune, Inc.) is a balanced 1:1 GLP-1 receptor / glucagon receptor dual agonist peptide. Molecular formula C182H275N39O54, MW 3873.35 g/mol, CAS 2538014-94-5. Its balanced dual activity is designed to combine GLP-1-driven insulin/appetite effects with glucagon-receptor-driven energy expenditure and lipid metabolism effects.

Pemvidutide versus Semaglutide: how do their efficacy and safety profiles compare?

Verified Peptides has not identified a published head-to-head trial comparing pemvidutide to semaglutide. The key distinction is pemvidutide's balanced dual GLP-1R/glucagon-receptor mechanism versus semaglutide's single-receptor GLP-1 activity, and pemvidutide's research program has focused specifically on MASH liver-fat reduction endpoints rather than the broader weight-loss/diabetes focus of semaglutide's trials.

Is Pemvidutide FDA approved or under regulatory review?

Pemvidutide is not FDA approved. It holds FDA Fast Track designation for MASH and alcohol use disorder, and FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MASH (granted January 2026). Its Phase 3 trial (PERFORMA) has not yet started, planned for the second half of 2026 -- an earlier development stage than these designations might suggest.

What does clinical trial data show about Pemvidutide's efficacy?

Two published trials on the same patient cohort found pemvidutide reduced liver fat substantially: the 12-week primary trial (PMID 39002641, N=94, doses of 1.2/1.8/2.4 mg vs placebo) and its 24-week extension (PMID 41113119, N=64, JHEP Reports, June 2025) reported relative liver-fat reductions of 56.3%, 75.2%, and 76.4% across the three doses versus 14.0% with placebo (p<0.001).

What are the common side effects of Pemvidutide?

Verified Peptides has not sourced a detailed comparative adverse-event breakdown for pemvidutide beyond its two published efficacy trials (PMID 39002641, PMID 41113119). Pemvidutide is not FDA approved, and Verified Peptides does not provide medical or safety guidance for its research-grade material.

How is Pemvidutide administered, and what is its dosing schedule in clinical trials?

In its primary published trial (PMID 39002641), pemvidutide was tested at 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, and 2.4 mg doses versus placebo over 12 weeks, with a 24-week extension at the same dose levels. These figures describe published clinical trial protocols only, not a usage recommendation -- Verified Peptides does not provide dosing guidance for its research-grade material.

What conditions is Pemvidutide being studied to treat?

Pemvidutide's primary published research focus is MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), reflected in its two liver-fat-reduction trials and its FDA Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations; it also holds Fast Track designation for alcohol use disorder.

How might Pemvidutide affect insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function?

Pemvidutide's balanced GLP-1R/glucagon-receptor agonism is mechanistically relevant to insulin and glucose regulation, but Verified Peptides has not sourced peer-reviewed data isolating pemvidutide's specific effects on insulin sensitivity or beta-cell function beyond the liver-fat endpoints already published; this remains an area of ongoing research rather than an established finding.

Legal & research status: Pemvidutide is an investigational compound and has not been approved by the FDA. It has received FDA Fast Track designation for MASH and alcohol use disorder, and Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MASH in January 2026 -- designations that can expedite development and review but do not constitute approval. Material sold as a research peptide is not the pharmaceutical product under development and is offered for laboratory and research use only, not for human consumption.

Research use only All content is provided for informational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. Peptides referenced are sold and discussed for laboratory and research use only, not for human consumption. Consult a licensed physician before making any health decision.