New belly fat injection cuts dangerous fat surrounding organs by 12% in early human trial

Initial human trials of a novel injection known as CBL-514 have demonstrated its potential to decrease harmful visceral fat by 12%. Visceral fat, which accumulates deep within the abdominal cavity surrounding vital organs, can adversely affect metabolism and contribute to insulin resistance, playing a significant role in the onset of type 2 diabetes.

A study released in March by the American Heart Association highlighted that visceral fat is more closely linked to the risk of heart failure than body mass index (BMI), underscoring the importance of addressing this type of fat.

The clinical trials aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CBL-514 in reducing visceral fat deposits. These studies were led by Dr. W. Timothy Garvey from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with Yu-Fang Ling from Caliway Biopharmaceuticals based in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Earlier phase 2 trials had indicated that CBL-514 was effective in reducing subcutaneous fat, which is the layer of fat located just beneath the skin. MRI scans conducted during two phase 2 trials revealed that participants who received the CBL-514 injection experienced a reduction in visceral fat, while those who received a placebo saw an increase in this type of fat.

Participants in the study received injections in their lower abdomen every three weeks over a span of up to 12 weeks, with doses reaching as high as 600 milligrams. The number of injections administered was tailored to the thickness of the individual's abdominal fat; as the fat volume diminished, the frequency of injections correspondingly decreased.

CBL-514 works by selectively inducing apoptosis, a process that leads to the self-destruction of fat cells without affecting surrounding cells. Four weeks post-treatment, the average volume of visceral fat in the group treated with CBL-514 decreased by 12.01%, while the placebo group experienced a 5.68% increase in visceral fat, as reported by SciTechDaily.

Dr. Garvey pointed out that while the cosmetic benefits, such as achieving a flatter stomach through subcutaneous fat reduction, are attractive to many patients, the more significant outcomes include weight loss, improved blood pressure, and lowered cholesterol levels. These improvements are crucial for enhancing overall health, especially considering the health risks associated with high levels of visceral fat.

Unlike liposuction, a commonly performed cosmetic surgery that targets subcutaneous fat, CBL-514 addresses visceral fat, thereby potentially reducing the associated health risks. This distinction highlights the injection's unique therapeutic potential in combating the dangers posed by visceral fat accumulation.