Bimagrumab improves body composition and insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant subjects.

AimTo test the hypothesis that an improving body composition in insulin-resistant individuals could enhance insulin sensitivity. MethodsA total of 16 people with a mean body mass index of 29.3kg/m(2) 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. ResultsBimagrumab 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 similar to 20% (according to the clamp) to similar to 40% (according to the IVGTT). ConclusionTaking 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.