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Hypothalamic ObesityPhase 2NCT06046443

A Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of LB54640 in Patients With Hypothalamic Obesity

A Phase 2 study testing Bivamelagon in people with Hypothalamic Obesity, run by Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 10 sites in 2 countries.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this study was to determine how well LB54640 (also known as bivamelagon) worked and how safe it was in participants with Hypothalamic Obesity (HO). The study evaluated the effect of bivamelagon on safety, weight reduction, hunger, and quality of life in participants 12 years of age and older with HO. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 12 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Hypothalamic Obesity
What is being tested?
Bivamelagon
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
28 participants
Where
10 sitesin 2 countries
Study dates
11 Jul 2024to 9 Feb 2026
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 12 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Documented evidence of acquired hypothalamic obesity (HO)
  • Age 12 years and older
  • Weight gain associated with the hypothalamic injury and a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m^2 for participants ≥18 years of age or BMI ≥95th percentile for age and sex for participants <18 years of age
  • Male and female participants agreed to follow study contraception requirements and use a highly effective form of contraception throughout the study and for 90 days after the study

Who cannot join

  • Weight loss >2% in the previous 3 months for participants ≥18 years of age or >2% reduction in BMI for participants <18 years of age
  • History of major surgical procedure within 30 days
  • HbA1c >10.9%
  • Fasting glucose level >270 mg/dL
  • Previous use of MC4R agonists
  • Diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) or Rapid-onset obesity with hypoventilation, hypothalamic, autonomic dysregulation, neuroendocrine tumor syndrome (ROHHADNET)
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorders; any suicidal ideation, attempt or behavior
  • History or close family history of skin cancer or melanoma
  • Clinically significant pulmonary, cardiac, or oncologic disease considered severe enough to interfere with the study and/or confound the results
  • Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion criteria may apply.

Trial locations and contacts

10 sites in 2 countries.

10 sites in 2 countries

United States7 sites
  • Children's Hospital Colorado

    Aurora, Colorado, 80045

  • Tufts Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02111

  • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514

  • University of Iowa Children's Hospital

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242

  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    Memphis, Tennessee, 38105

  • Columbia University

    New York, New York, 10027

  • Lynn Health Science Institute

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73112

Other trials in United States

United Kingdom3 sites
  • Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust

    Birmingham, B15 2TG

  • University of Cambridge

    Cambridge, CB2 1TN

  • Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children

    London, WC1N 3JH

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-Blind Phase 2 Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of LB54640 in Patients With Hypothalamic Obesity, With an Open-Label Extension

The goal of this study was to determine how well LB54640 (also known as bivamelagon) worked and how safe it was in participants with Hypothalamic Obesity (HO). The study evaluated the effect of bivamelagon on safety, weight reduction, hunger, and quality of life in participants 12 years of age and older with HO. Participants took an oral daily dose of either bivamelagon (low, middle, or high dose) or placebo through Week 14. Eligible participants who consented to continue in the study after Week 14 took an oral daily dose of bivamelagon through Week 52.

Being tested
Bivamelagon, Placebo
Keywords
melanocortin 4 receptor, MC4R, MC4R agonism
Medical subject headings
Sexual Infantilism

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • BivamelagonDrug

    Also called LB54640

    Oral daily administration

  • PlaceboDrug

    Placebo matched to LB54640

Study groups in NCT06046443
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Bivamelagon Low dose (200 milligrams [mg])ExperimentalParticipants were randomized to receive bivamelagon low dose (200 mg), middle dose (400 mg), or high dose (600 mg), or placebo by oral administration in a 1:1:1:1 ratio.
Receives: Drug: Bivamelagon
Bivamelagon Middle dose (400 mg)ExperimentalParticipants were randomized to receive bivamelagon low dose (200 mg), middle dose (400 mg), or high dose (600 mg), or placebo by oral administration in a 1:1:1:1 ratio.
Receives: Drug: Bivamelagon
Bivamelagon High dose (600 mg)ExperimentalParticipants were randomized to receive bivamelagon low dose (200 mg), middle dose (400 mg), or high dose (600 mg), or placebo by oral administration in a 1:1:1:1 ratio.
Receives: Drug: Bivamelagon
PlaceboPlacebo comparatorParticipants were randomized to receive bivamelagon low dose (200 mg), middle dose (400 mg), or high dose (600 mg), or placebo by oral administration in a 1:1:1:1 ratio.
Receives: Drug: Placebo
Open-label BivamelagonExperimentalEligible participants who provided consent to continue into the open-label portion of the study received open-label bivamelagon.
Receives: Drug: Bivamelagon

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Treatment Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline to Week 14 in Body Mass Index (BMI)

    BMI was calculated as weight (kilograms [kg])/height (squared meters [m^2]). Least square mean (LSM) and standard error (SE) were calculated using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model with treatment group, randomization stratification factor (≥18 years old vs <18 years old) as factors and baseline BMI as a covariate.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 14

Secondary outcomes (34)
  1. Treatment Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline to Weeks 6 and 10 in BMI

    BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m^2). Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6 and Week 10

  2. Treatment Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in BMI

    BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m^2).

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 10, and Week 14

  3. Treatment Phase (Participants < 18 Years): Mean Change From Baseline in the Gender- and Age-specific BMI Z-Score

    The BMI Z-scores were measures of relative weight adjusted for child age and sex. Given a child's age, sex, BMI, and an appropriate reference standard, a BMI Z-score can be determined. The BMI Z-scores were calculated using the Lambda Mu and Sigma method following the 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) reference. A Z-score of 0 is equal to the mean of a reference population (i.e., healthy, age and sex-matched individuals). A decrease in BMI Z-score (< 0) indicates a reduction in BMI from Baseline whereas an increase in BMI-Z score (> 0) indicated an increase in BMI from Baseline.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 10, and Week 14

  4. Treatment Phase (Participants < 18 Years): Mean Change From Baseline in the Percentage of the Gender- and Age-specific 95th Percentile of BMI

    The BMI values were expressed as a percentage of the gender- and age-specific 95th percentile following the 2000 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) BMI-for-Age Growth Charts form.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 10, and Week 14

  5. Treatment Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in Body Weight

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 10, and Week 14

  6. Treatment Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline in Body Weight

    Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 10, and Week 14

  7. Treatment Phase: Percentage of Participants Who Achieved at Least a ≥5% or ≥10% Reduction in Body Weight

    Measured: Baseline to Week 14

  8. Treatment Phase: Percentage of Participants Who Achieved at Least a ≥5% or ≥10% Reduction in BMI

    BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m^2).

    Measured: Baseline to Week 14

  9. Treatment Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in Waist Circumference

    The waist circumference was defined as the minimal abdominal circumference located midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 10, and Week 14

  10. Treatment Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline in Waist Circumference

    The waist circumference was defined as the minimal abdominal circumference located midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest. Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 10, and Week 14

  11. Treatment Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in Waist-to-hip Circumference Ratio

    The waist circumference was defined as the minimal abdominal circumference located midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest. The hip circumference was defined as the widest circumference around the buttocks. The waist-to-hip ratio was calculated as waist circumference divided by hip circumference.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 10, and Week 14

  12. Treatment Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline in Waist-to-hip Circumference Ratio

    The waist circumference was defined as the minimal abdominal circumference located midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest. The hip circumference was defined as the widest circumference around the buttocks. The waist-to-hip ratio was calculated as waist circumference divided by hip circumference. Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, Week 10, and Week 14

  13. Treatment Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in Body Composition

    Body composition included fat and lean body mass and was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

    Measured: Baseline, Week 14

  14. Treatment Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline in Body Composition

    Body composition included fat and lean body mass and was assessed by DEXA. Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 14

  15. Treatment Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in the Weekly Average of the Daily Most Hunger Score

    Participants who were able to validly and reliably self-report were administered "Hunger Questions for Participants ≥12 Years of Age©." This questionnaire comprised 2 items (average and most hunger) that were designed to be evaluated separately (rather than as a composite score). Each item asked participants to rate their hunger on an 11-point numeric rating scale ranging from 0 to 10 (0 = not hungry at all and 10 = hungriest possible) with a recall period of 24 hours. Data reported are for mean change from baseline in the weekly average daily most hunger score.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 14

  16. Treatment Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in the Weekly Average of the Symptoms of Hyperphagia Composite Score

    Participants who were able to self-report were administered the Symptoms of Hyperphagia: Patient© Version. The questionnaire consisted of 4 items related to the frequency of a participant's hyperphagia symptoms on a scale (never [score 0], 1 or 2 times [score 1], 3 or more times [score 2]) over the previous 24 hours. Caregivers of participants who could not self report were administered the Symptoms of Hyperphagia: Caregiver© Version which consisted of 5 items that included caregivers assessing the frequency of hyperphagia symptoms on a scale (never [score 0], 1 or 2 times [score 1], 3 or more times [score 2]) over the previous 24 hours for the person in their care. The composite score was derived by adding up all item scores and dividing by total number of items answered. The full range of the composite score was 0-2, with higher scores representing more hyperphagia. Data are reported for mean change from baseline in weekly average of symptoms of hyperphagia composite score.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 14

  17. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in BMI

    BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m^2).

    Measured: Baseline, Week 28 and Week 52

  18. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline in BMI

    BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m^2). Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 28 and Week 52

  19. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in Body Weight

    Measured: Baseline, Week 28 and Week 52

  20. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline in Body Weight

    Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 28 and Week 52

  21. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in Waist Circumference

    The waist circumference was defined as the minimal abdominal circumference located midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 28 and Week 52

  22. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline in Waist Circumference

    The waist circumference was defined as the minimal abdominal circumference located midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest. Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 28 and Week 52

  23. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in Waist-to-hip Circumference Ratio

    The waist circumference was defined as the minimal abdominal circumference located midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest. The hip circumference was defined as the widest circumference around the buttocks. The waist-to-hip ratio was calculated as waist circumference divided by hip circumference.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 28 and Week 52

  24. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline in Waist-to-hip Circumference Ratio

    The waist circumference was defined as the minimal abdominal circumference located midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest. The hip circumference was defined as the widest circumference around the buttocks. The waist-to-hip ratio was calculated as waist circumference divided by hip circumference. Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 28 and Week 52

  25. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Change From Baseline in Body Composition

    Body composition included fat and lean body mass and was assessed by DEXA.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 52

  26. Open-label Extension Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline in Body Composition

    Body composition included fat and lean body mass and was assessed by DEXA. Percentage change from baseline was calculated as: (post-baseline result - baseline result) / baseline result*100%.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 52

  27. Treatment Phase: Number of Participants Who Experienced a Treatment-emergent Adverse Event (TEAE) or Adverse Event of Special Interest (AESI)

    A TEAE was any undesirable and unintended medical event occurring to a participant in a clinical study and which did not necessarily have a causal relationship with the study drug, with onset or worsening after the start of study drug. AESIs were events of scientific and medical interest specific to further the understanding of the safety profile of the study drug. A summary of all Serious Adverse Events and Other Adverse Events (nonserious) regardless of causality is located in the 'Reported Adverse Events' Section.

    Measured: Day 1 to Week 14

  28. Open-label Extension Phase: Number of Participants Who Experienced a TEAE or AESI

    A TEAE was any undesirable and unintended medical event occurring to a participant in a clinical study and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the study drug, with onset or worsening after the start of study drug. AESIs were events of scientific and medical interest specific to the further understanding of the safety profile of the study drug. A summary of all Serious Adverse Events and Other Adverse Events (nonserious) regardless of causality is located in the 'Reported Adverse Events' Section.

    Measured: Week 14 to Week 56

  29. Treatment Phase: Number of Participants Who Experienced a Mild, Moderate, Severe, Life-threatening or Fatal TEAE

    TEAEs were evaluated by the investigator according to the definitions below using the following guidelines:

    • Mild - Asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic observations only; no intervention indicated; no disruption to daily activity.
    • Moderate - Discomfort sufficient to reduce or affect normal daily activity.
    • Severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening; hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization indicated; inability to work or perform normal daily activity.
    • Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated.
    • Fatal outcome.

    A summary of all Serious Adverse Events and Other Adverse Events (nonserious) regardless of causality is located in the 'Reported Adverse Events' Section.

    Measured: Day 1 to Week 14

  30. Open-label Extension Phase: Number of Participants Who Experienced a Mild, Moderate, Severe, Life-threatening or Fatal TEAE

    TEAEs were evaluated by the investigator according to the definitions below using the following guidelines:

    • Mild - Asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic observations only; no intervention indicated; no disruption to daily activity.
    • Moderate - Discomfort sufficient to reduce or affect normal daily activity.
    • Severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening; hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization indicated; inability to work or perform normal daily activity.
    • Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated.
    • Fatal outcome.

    A summary of all Serious Adverse Events and Other Adverse Events (nonserious) regardless of causality is located in the 'Reported Adverse Events' Section.

    Measured: Week 14 to Week 56

  31. Treatment Phase: Maximum Observed Concentration of Bivamelagon in Plasma (Cmax)

    Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were derived using noncompartmental methods. Cmax was obtained directly from the observed concentration versus time data. At Week 0, all participants received bivamelagon 200 mg QD. At Week 10, participants received their maximum assigned bivamelagon dose QD.

    Measured: Week 0 and Week 10: Pre-dose and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours post-dose

  32. Treatment Phase: Time to Cmax (Tmax)

    PK parameters were derived using noncompartmental methods. At Week 0, all participants received bivamelagon 200 mg QD. At Week 10, participants received their maximum assigned bivamelagon dose QD.

    Measured: Week 0 and Week 10: Pre-dose and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours post-dose

  33. Treatment Phase: Area Under the Concentration-time Curve From 0 to Last Quantifiable Concentration (AUC0-t)

    PK parameters were derived using noncompartmental methods.AUC0-t was calculated by the linear up/log down trapezoidal summation. At Week 0, all participants received bivamelagon 200 mg QD. At Week 10, participants received their maximum assigned bivamelagon dose QD.

    Measured: Week 0 and Week 10: Pre-dose and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours post-dose

  34. Treatment Phase: Trough Plasma Concentration (Ctrough)

    PK parameters were derived using noncompartmental methods. At Week 0, all participants received bivamelagon 200 mg QD. At Week 10, participants received their maximum assigned bivamelagon dose QD.

    Measured: Weeks 1, 2, 6, 10, and 14: Pre-dose

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Sep 2023
  2. Study start11 Jul 2024
  3. Primary completion9 Feb 2026
  4. Study completion9 Feb 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator
Enrolment
28 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06046443
Sponsor's protocol ID
LG-MCCL005
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
14 Sep 2023
Last updated
30 Oct 2026
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Bivamelagon in people with Hypothalamic Obesity, run by Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 10 sites in 2 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 10 sites in United States, United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 30 Oct 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Treatment Phase: Mean Percentage Change From Baseline to Week 14 in Body Mass Index (BMI) (time frame: Baseline, Week 14). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Oct 2026.

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