A Novel Thiazolidinedione (Tzd) With Minimal Ppar-Gamma Activity Maximized For Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (Mpc) Modulation: Six-Month Analysis Of Glycemia In A 12-Month Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (Nash) Study

The MPC facilitates entry of pyruvate into the Krebs cycle and in the setting of over nutrition, is critical to adverse manifestations including T2D and NASH. MSDC-0602K is a novel insulin sensitizer engineered to modulate pyruvate utilization with minimal ppar-γ activity. The EMMINENCE study is examining its effects on NASH and glycemia. U.S. sites (57) enrolled 402 patients with liver biopsy evidence of NASH and fibrosis; >50% of subjects with T2D (not taking insulin/pioglitazone) with entry HbA1c ≤ 9.5%. Randomization was 1:1:1:1 to daily oral doses of MSDC-0602K (62.5, 125, and 250mg) or placebo. Safety and glycemia were examined when 328 subjects reached 6 mo visit: 59% female, median age 57, 52% diabetic. (See Table) No meaningful changes in lipids, heart rate or BP were noted. The % of subjects reporting 1 or more adverse events was equal across all 4 cohorts. Importantly, the frequency of peripheral edema was 11% at baseline and unchanged across cohorts at 6 months. MSDC-0602K shows potent effects on glycemic control parameters and insulin sensitization with modest expected weight gain and no evidence of peripheral edema at 6 months, a key ppar-γ related side effect of first generation TZDs. This drug shows promise for glycemic control in NASH patients with T2D/insulin resistance. Disclosure K. Cusi: Consultant; Self; Allergan, AstraZeneca, Genentech, Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Poxel SA, ProSciento. Research Support; Self; Cirius Therapeutics, Echosens, Eli Lilly and Company, Inventiva Pharma, Janssen Research & Development, Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk Inc. O.G. Kolterman: Advisory Panel; Spouse/Partner; Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc. Advisory Panel; Self; Zafgen, Inc. Board Member; Self; American Diabetes Association, GlySens Incorporated, Viacyte, Inc. Consultant; Self; ADOCIA, Cirius Therapeutics Inc, DiaVacs Inc, JDRF, Nanoprecisionmedical, NuSirt Biopharma, Inc., Renova Therapeutics, Sensulin, LLC. Employee; Self; Whole Biome Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Corcept Therapeutics, GI Therapeutics, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Other Relationship; Spouse/Partner; American Diabetes Association. S.A. Harrison: Advisory Panel; Self; Gilead Sciences, Inc. H.C. Dittrich: Employee; Self; Cirius Therapeutics.