Altimmune's stock plummets over 60% as liver drug falls short in trial

Time of India

4 hours ago

Altimmune's stock (NASDAQ: ALT) plunged roughly
60–64%
in pre-market trading today after it announced mixed results from its mid-stage (IMPACT Phase 2b) trial evaluating its liver drug,
pemvidutide
, for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
The drug showed promising results in reducing liver fat and achieving MASH resolution, but failed to deliver strong statistical evidence for fibrosis improvement—a key benchmark in this disease area.
What is the current stock price of Altimmune?
As of
June 26, 2025
, Altimmune is trading at
$7.71 per share
. This price represents a significant pullback from its recent highs, though it remains above its 52-week low.
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Current price:
$7.71
52-week high:
$11.16
52-week low:
$3.55
Market cap:
Estimated between $558 million to $625 million
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Did pemvidutide meet its primary endpoint?
Yes. The trial hit its primary goal: resolution of MASH without worsening liver fibrosis. At 24 weeks:
Live Events
59.1%
of patients on the 1.2 mg dose saw MASH resolution
52.1%
achieved resolution on the 1.8 mg dose
Only
19.1%
on placebo met this benchmark
These results were statistically significant and well above expectations, positioning pemvidutide as a serious contender in the MASH space.
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What about weight loss and secondary benefits?
Altimmune also highlighted significant weight loss among trial participants:
5.0% weight loss
at 1.2 mg
6.2% at 1.8 mg
, compared to 1.0% in placebo
This positions pemvidutide alongside other GLP-1 class weight-loss drugs, a category currently generating high investor and consumer interest.
Why did the stock crash despite positive results?
The issue lies with the fibrosis endpoint. While there were improvements, the trial didn't reach statistical significance in its primary analysis of fibrosis reduction—a major goal in MASH treatment. Though an AI-assisted analysis showed 30.6% of patients had ≥60% reduction in fibrosis (vs. 8.2% placebo), it wasn't enough to reassure investors looking for definitive progress in this area.
Are analysts still bullish on Altimmune?
Yes, despite the sell-off, Wall Street remains optimistic about Altimmune's long-term prospects. The stock currently holds a
"Strong Buy" rating
from analysts.
That suggests potential upside of nearly
190%
from the current price level, assuming pemvidutide regains investor confidence in later trials.
What are the short-term stock trends for ALT?
Technically, ALT has been highly volatile and is currently trading in the
mid-range of its 52-week band
. Short-term charts show
neutral-to-bearish signals
, with some analysts recommending caution until the stock finds support or stabilizes.
What is MASH treatment?
MASH, short for Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is the new name for what was previously called NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis). It's a serious form of fatty liver disease that occurs when fat builds up in the liver and causes inflammation and liver cell damage, potentially leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
What's next for Altimmune and pemvidutide?
Altimmune will hold an investor webcast to discuss results and plans to meet the FDA for an End-of-Phase 2 meeting by late 2025. A Phase 3 trial is still under consideration.
FAQs:
What caused
Altimmune stock
to crash after the MASH trial?
The stock crashed after its MASH drug failed to show strong results in improving liver fibrosis.
Is Altimmune still moving forward with pemvidutide?
Yes, the company plans to meet the FDA and may start a Phase 3 trial.