Biomea’s Icovamenib & Semaglutide Therapy Shows Promising Results For Diabetes Models

Biomea Fusion, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company targeting diabetes, obesity, genetically defined cancers, and other diseases. It has revealed its positive outcomes for the preclinical investigation of icovamenib with semaglutide. The study explored how icovamenib, a covalent menin inhibitor, worked alongside semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, to improve key metabolic markers in animal models. 

Researchers assessed a range of parameters, including C-peptide levels (a marker of insulin secretion and glucose regulation), blood glucose levels, HbA1c, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), beta cell function (HOMA-B), body weight, fat and lean mass composition, and appetite control. Biomarkers were monitored over 28 days.

Juan Pablo Frias, Biomea Fusion’s Chief Medical Officer, commented, “We believe these preclinical results underscore the potential of icovamenib to transform diabetes treatment when combined with GLP-1-based therapies. Our studies demonstrated that icovamenib increased the C-peptide index and amplified key benefits of GLP-1 therapies, including improved glycemic and body weight control. Importantly, this synergy may enable lower doses of GLP-1 therapies to achieve glycemic and weight loss targets, potentially reducing side effects and improving tolerability. We are very encouraged by these preclinical results and look forward to further assessing this combination in clinical trials to address unmet needs of people with type 2 diabetes.”

The study involved two groups of 10 Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats, a model commonly used to study type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. One group received icovamenib for 28 days alongside semaglutide during the last two weeks, while the other group was treated with semaglutide alone during the same two-week period. The findings highlighted the potential benefits of combination therapy in improving metabolic health in type 2 diabetes.