Wave Life Sciences reported updated phase 1 data from its INLIGHT trial on November 13, 2026, showing that a single dose of WVE-007 reduced fat while preserving lean mass.¹ WVE-007 is an investigational GalNAc-conjugated short interfering RNA (siRNA) that silences INHBE, and single doses also produced durable reductions in Activin E.¹ The company is presenting the data at ObesityWeek 2026 in Washington, DC, November 14-17.¹
Key facts
- Drug: WVE-007 (Wave Life Sciences)
- Class: GalNAc-conjugated siRNA targeting INHBE (SpiNA design)
- Indication studied: Overweight and obesity
- Trial: INLIGHT (NCT06842186); phase 1/2a, randomized, placebo-controlled
- Activin E: Mean maximum reductions of 82%, 84%, and 88% (240, 400, 600 mg)
- Body composition: Visceral fat reduced, lean mass preserved at 1 year (240 mg)
- Safety: No discontinuations or drug-related serious adverse events
- Dosing goal: Once- or twice-yearly
- Next data: Phase 2a 6-month data expected in 2027
- Combination: Phase 2a trial with tirzepatide ongoing
“The [p]hase 1 single-dose portion of our INLIGHT clinical trial continues to demonstrate that WVE-007 impacts the desired biology with potent, durable Activin E reductions leading to body composition improvements and a favorable safety profile,” said Christopher Wright, MD, PhD, chief medical officer at Wave Life Sciences, in a company press release.¹
What did the phase 1 data show?
Participants in the 240 mg, 400 mg, and 600 mg cohorts are being followed through a 12-month assessment.¹ Single-dose Activin E reductions were durable and dose-dependent, with mean maximum reductions of 82%, 84%, and 88%, respectively.¹ All participants in the 240 mg cohort have reached 1 year of follow-up, and their placebo-adjusted mean Activin E reductions from baseline remained significant.¹
The 240 mg cohort had the highest baseline body mass index (BMI). It continued to show placebo-adjusted reductions in visceral fat, total fat, and waist circumference, with lean mass preserved, 1 year after a single dose.¹ At 6 months, the 600 mg cohort showed placebo-adjusted reductions in visceral fat and waist circumference with lean mass preserved, while total fat stayed relatively unchanged.¹ Across cohorts, individuals with higher BMI and higher baseline adiposity had a more pronounced treatment effect.¹
WVE-007 was generally safe and well tolerated. There were no discontinuations, no drug-related serious adverse events, and no clinically meaningful changes in laboratory measures, including lipid profiles and liver function tests.¹
Why target INHBE?
WVE-007 is designed to silence INHBE messenger RNA to target fat metabolism, and Wave says its data support once- or twice-yearly dosing.¹ Human genetics support the target. A multiancestry exome-sequencing study found that predicted loss-of-function mutations in INHBE were associated with favorable fat distribution and protection from type 2 diabetes.² Wave is positioning WVE-007 as an approach focused on body composition, including for people who need an alternative to incretin-based therapies.¹
