OR03-2 Phase 1, Randomized, Controlled Trial of GFB-024, a Once-Monthly CB1 Inverse Agonist, in Healthy Overweight and Obese Participants and in Participants with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Evidence from nonclinical studies suggests a role of cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1) in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Kidney CB1 expression is upregulated in podocytes and tubular cells in murine models of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). Inhibition by CB1 inverse agonists has been shown to ameliorate diabetes-induced albuminuria, inhibit kidney fibrosis and inflammation, and prevent podocyte dysfunction. Mouse models of DM have shown that genetic deletion of CB1 in podocytes or proximal tubular cells protects against glomerular and tubular dysfunction.

GFB-024 is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody functioning as a CB1-specific inverse agonist. Pharmacodynamic studies demonstrated that GFB-024 protects human podocytes in vitro. Targeting the CB1 pathway with GFB-024 is a potentially novel approach to protecting podocytes from injury in patients with CB1-associated DN.

In a phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single ascending dose (SAD) trial, we evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and immunogenicity of GFB-024 in up to 56 healthy overweight and obese (BMI 25–40 kg/m2) participants.

A total of 38 subjects have completed 5 cohorts in the SAD, receiving single doses of 5 mg to 300 mg administered subcutaneously. GFB-024 was well tolerated, and there were no dose-limiting adverse effects.

PK exposures achieved in the trial exceeded the estimated efficacious exposure, based on four different in vitro activity assays. Absorption was prolonged with flat exposure over the first 7 days, with a Tmax ranging from approximately 4-7 days. Elimination half-life was approximately 12-13 days, with exposures remaining in the estimated efficacious range at 28 days for all but the lowest dose tested.

In summary, GFB-024 was safe and well tolerated following single doses of up to 300 mg. PK analysis demonstrated potentially efficacious exposure, a prolonged absorption phase, and elimination half-life compatible with once-monthly dosing.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.