Bimagrumab improves body composition and insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant individuals

Abstract

Aim: To test the hypothesis that an improving body composition in insulin-resistant individuals could enhance insulin sensitivity.

Methods: A total of 16 people with a mean body mass index of 29.3 kg/m² and insulin resistance, received a single dose of bimagrumab or placebo and were assessed at week 10 for insulin sensitivity, using a hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp and an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), and for body composition using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and positron-emission tomography.

Results: Bimagrumab increased lean mass by 2.7% (P < .05) and reduced fat mass by 7.9% (P = .011) at week 10 compared with placebo, and had a neutral effect on body weight. Bimagrumab reduced glycated haemoglobin by 0.21% at week 18 (P < .001) and improved insulin sensitivity by ~20% (according to the clamp) to ~40% (according to the IVGTT).

Conclusion: Taking the observed changes together, and given that these occurred without accompanying dietary intervention and without any prescribed regular physical exercise, bimagrumab may offer a novel approach for the treatment of the metabolic complications of obesity.

Keywords: HbA1c; activin receptor II; bimagrumab; body composition; insulin resistance; obesity.