What's Happening?
Immunis, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has published new research in the journal Obesity, highlighting the potential of its investigational therapeutic, IMM01-STEM, in promoting weight
loss and muscle preservation in aged models. The study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Micah Drummond from the University of Utah, demonstrates that IMM01-STEM can significantly reduce body fat while increasing lean muscle mass in obese mice. Additionally, the treatment reversed liver steatosis and fibrosis, improved glucose tolerance, and lowered fasting insulin levels, aligning the metabolic profiles of treated mice with those of healthy controls. This research is part of Immunis' broader efforts to develop stem cell-derived biologics for age-related diseases and immune dysregulation.
Why It's Important?
The findings from Immunis' research are significant as they address a critical need in obesity treatment: achieving weight loss without compromising muscle mass. Current pharmacotherapies, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, often result in muscle loss, which can be detrimental to overall health, especially in older adults. By preserving muscle mass and enhancing muscle quality, IMM01-STEM offers a promising alternative that could improve health outcomes for individuals struggling with obesity. This development is particularly relevant given the rising obesity rates among Americans aged 65 and older, which have doubled to 40%. The potential of IMM01-STEM to transform human healthspan by promoting healthier weight loss could have far-reaching implications for public health and the pharmaceutical industry.
What's Next?
Following the promising results in preclinical models, further investigations into IMM01-STEM's efficacy and safety in humans are anticipated. These studies will be crucial in determining the therapeutic's potential for clinical use in treating obesity and related metabolic disorders. As interest in healthspan therapies grows, Immunis may seek to advance its product through clinical trials, potentially leading to new treatment options for age-related diseases. The company's ongoing research and development efforts will likely continue to focus on leveraging stem cell secretome technology to address various manifestations of immune dysregulation and age-related conditions.
