Privately held biotechnology company NGM Bio announced the start of a Phase 1 clinical trial to study an antibody that could potentially treat patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
NGM313 is an agonistic antibody that promotes beneficial metabolic activity by activating receptors responsible for the regulation of body weight, triglycerides, cholesterol and insulin sensitivity. San Francisco-based NGM Bio believes that the antibody has the potential to cause meaningful body weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity.
The study encompasses a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of NGM313. The trial will also measure a variety of biomarkers associated with metabolic regulation.
Kenilworth, N.J.-based pharmaceutical company Merck has an exclusive, one-time option to license the antibody following completion of a human proof of concept study.
Results of the trial are expected in 2017.
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