HU6 is a
prodrug of the mitochondrial
uncoupler2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) that is intended to "minimize the rapid absorption and high peak blood concentrations of DNP to provide a wider
therapeutic index and improve safety." Developed by Rivus Pharmaceuticals, the drug is tested to reduce weight and liver fat in humans with risk factors for
metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. In a phase 2a trial, the higher dosage levels reduced liver fat on average by more than 30 percent and also reduced body weight significantly.[1][2] A phase 2b trial was launched in late 2023.[3]
References
^Harrison, Stephen A.; Loomba, Rohit; Dubourg, Julie; Ratziu, Vlad; Noureddin, Mazen (July 2023). "Clinical Trial Landscape in NASH". Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 21 (8): 2001–2014.
doi:
10.1016/j.cgh.2023.03.041.