Experimental Injection Reduced Visceral Fat in Phase 2 Trials
Adults receiving the drug CBL-514 saw a decrease in visceral fat compared to those given a placebo.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Weight Loss
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Researchers have found that the experimental injectable drug CBL-514 reduced visceral fat in participants during phase 2 clinical trials. These findings were recently presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting.
Why it matters
Visceral fat deposits around organs are a health concern, and this study investigated whether a targeted injection could reduce these hidden fat stores. The findings offer a potential new approach for fat reduction that is currently being evaluated in further clinical research.
In a phase 2 study of 40 participants, those receiving doses of up to 600 milligrams of CBL-514 experienced a 12.01% decrease in visceral fat volume compared to a 5.68% increase in the placebo group. Researchers noted these preliminary results follow a 12-week treatment period.
The players
European Association for the Study of Diabetes
An international organization dedicated to diabetes research and the dissemination of clinical findings.
The details
The drug CBL-514 works by triggering apoptosis, or programmed cell death, specifically within fat cells. In these trials, participants received injections into the lower abdomen every three weeks. While researchers monitored the reduction of both subcutaneous and visceral fat, local injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness were reported by some participants.
Timeline
September 28 to October 2, 2026: Research findings were presented at the EASD annual meeting.
End of 2027: Expected timeline for the release of results from ongoing phase 3 trials.
Health Landscape
This study was presented at the EASD annual meeting, a global forum for reporting advancements in metabolic health and diabetes management. It sits within a wider research landscape seeking to evolve beyond lifestyle interventions for addressing visceral fat accumulation.
This experimental therapy is not yet available to the public and is currently restricted to clinical trial settings. Any questions regarding your own body fat management or concerns about visceral fat should be discussed with your physician.
The takeaway
The study provides early evidence that targeted injections may reduce visceral fat, though the drug is currently only in clinical testing. Always consult with a healthcare professional to evaluate evidence-based weight management strategies appropriate for your health history.
What happens next
Researchers are currently recruiting participants for two phase 3 trials, with initial results anticipated by the end of 2027.
Further reading
For more on evolving methods for metabolic health, see our section on Weight Loss.
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