---
title: "WVE-007 | PepTracker Pro"
url: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/wve-007
description: "WVE-007 is Wave Life Sciences' investigational GalNAc-conjugated siRNA that silences the liver gene INHBE to lower the hepatokine Activin E, aiming to produce muscle-sparing fat loss. In the Phase 1 INLIGHT trial a single subcutaneous dose reduced visceral and total fat while preserving or increasing lean mass, with durable target knockdown that could support once- or twice-yearly dosing."
lang: en
---

Skip to main content

**Educational information only.** This site does not provide medical advice. Read full disclaimer (https://peptrackerpro.com/disclaimer)

**Research-only content.** This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Read full disclaimer → (https://peptrackerpro.com/research-disclaimer)

# WVE-007

Low Evidence

WVE-007 is Wave Life Sciences' investigational GalNAc-conjugated siRNA that silences the liver gene INHBE to lower the hepatokine Activin E, aiming to produce muscle-sparing fat loss. In the Phase 1 INLIGHT trial a single subcutaneous dose reduced visceral and total fat while preserving or increasing lean mass, with durable target knockdown that could support once- or twice-yearly dosing.

Aliases Wave WVE-007 +5 more

Evidence Low Evidence

Last Updated 2026-08-06

Reading Time 5 min

## What It Is

WVE-007 is a long-acting, GalNAc-conjugated small interfering RNA (siRNA) designed to knock down INHBE, the liver gene that encodes the hepatokine Activin E. Activin E signals through the receptor ALK7 (encoded by ACVR1C) on fat cells, where it suppresses lipolysis and promotes fat storage. Human genetics is the foundation of the program: people who carry rare loss-of-function variants in INHBE have a lower waist-to-hip ratio and a favorable cardiometabolic profile - less abdominal fat, lower triglycerides, higher HDL and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes - without adverse consequences, and ALK7 (ACVR1C) loss-of-function variants produce a similar phenotype. WVE-007 is engineered to pharmacologically mimic that protective genetics by silencing INHBE in the liver, lowering circulating Activin E, releasing the brake on adipose lipolysis and shifting the body toward fat loss while sparing muscle. This mechanism is fundamentally different from GLP-1 and amylin drugs, which work through appetite suppression; WVE-007 instead reprograms how fat tissue stores and mobilizes energy, and it is being positioned both as a potential standalone therapy and as a combination partner that could improve the 'quality' of weight loss achieved with incretins. Wave Life Sciences is testing WVE-007 in the Phase 1 INLIGHT trial. In interim data reported in December 2025, a single 240 mg subcutaneous dose improved body composition at three months versus baseline - a 9.4% reduction in visceral fat (p=0.02), a 4.5% reduction in total body fat (about 3.5 lb; p=0.07) and a 3.2% increase in lean mass (about 4.0 lb; p=0.01) - fat loss described as similar to GLP-1 therapy at three months but without the muscle loss that often accompanies incretin-driven weight loss. Six-month interim data reported in March 2026 showed continued, placebo-adjusted reductions in visceral fat (about -14%; p<0.05), total fat (about -5%), waist circumference (about -3%) and body weight (about -1%), with lean mass stabilized (about +2%). Serum Activin E reductions were durable, supporting the potential for infrequent - once- or twice-yearly - dosing, and the drug was generally safe and well tolerated with only mild treatment-related adverse events and no clinically meaningful changes in lipids or liver function tests. Wave initiated the Phase 2a portion of INLIGHT in people with higher BMI (35-50 kg/m2) and comorbidities in the second quarter of 2026, with data intended to inform development across obesity, MASH, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. WVE-007 reflects a broader 2026 shift toward genetically validated, adipose-directed mechanisms - including the Activin E/ALK7 pathway also pursued by Arrowhead's ARO-INHBE and ARO-ALK7 - that seek to preserve lean mass as a defining advantage over incretin monotherapy.

Also known as: Wave WVE-007, WVE007, INHBE siRNA, INHBE GalNAc-siRNA, Activin E silencer, anti-obesity INHBE RNAi

## Regulatory Status

Investigational

In Phase 1/2 clinical development (INLIGHT trial); Phase 2a portion initiated Q2 2026. Interim Phase 1 data only; no regulatory filing and not approved in any jurisdiction as of mid-2026.

Effective: 2026

View FDA Source (https://ir.wavelifesciences.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wave-life-sciences-announces-positive-interim-phase-1-data)

## Why Researchers Study It

WVE-007 tests whether an old genetic clue can be turned into a drug: humans born with INHBE loss-of-function are naturally leaner in the abdomen and metabolically healthier, so silencing INHBE pharmacologically could reproduce that protection. Its appeal is a mechanism that drives fat loss while preserving - or even increasing - lean mass, which addresses one of the main criticisms of GLP-1-based weight loss, plus the possibility of once- or twice-yearly dosing thanks to durable target knockdown.

## Proposed Mechanisms

- Silences INHBE messenger RNA in hepatocytes via a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA, reducing production of the hepatokine Activin E
- Lowers circulating Activin E, decreasing signaling through the ALK7 (ACVR1C) receptor on adipocytes
- Relieves Activin E-mediated suppression of adipose lipolysis, shifting fat tissue toward energy mobilization and fat loss
- Preserves or increases lean mass by acting on fat storage rather than suppressing appetite, unlike GLP-1 and amylin agonists
- Produces durable target knockdown enabling potential once- or twice-yearly subcutaneous dosing
- Pharmacologically mimics the protective phenotype of human INHBE and ALK7 loss-of-function variants

## Evidence Snapshot

Low Evidence

Low

Medium

High

| Study Type | Model | Outcome | Link |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Phase 1 (interim, 3-month) | INLIGHT trial - single 240 mg subcutaneous dose in adults with overweight/obesity | At 3 months vs baseline: visceral fat -9.4% (p=0.02), total body fat -4.5% (~3.5 lb; p=0.07), lean mass +3.2% (~4.0 lb; p=0.01); fat loss similar to GLP-1 at 3 months without muscle loss; well tolerated | Source: https://ir.wavelifesciences.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wave-life-sciences-announces-positive-interim-data-phase-1 |
| Phase 1 (interim, 6-month) | INLIGHT trial - single subcutaneous dose, placebo-adjusted follow-up | At 6 months (placebo-adjusted): visceral fat ~-14% (p<0.05), total fat ~-5%, waist circumference ~-3%, body weight ~-1%, lean mass stabilized (~+2%); durable serum Activin E reductions supporting once- or twice-yearly dosing; favorable safety with mild TRAEs and no meaningful lipid/LFT changes | Source: https://ir.wavelifesciences.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wave-life-sciences-announces-positive-interim-phase-1-data |
| Human genetics rationale | UK Biobank / exome analyses of INHBE and ACVR1C (ALK7) variants | Rare loss-of-function variants in INHBE associate with lower waist-to-hip ratio and a favorable metabolic profile (lower triglycerides, higher HDL, reduced type 2 diabetes risk); ALK7 (ACVR1C) variants show a similar protective phenotype | Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-31757-8 |

## Commonly Discussed Benefits

Weight Management: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/weight-management
Metabolism: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/metabolism
Fat Loss: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/fat-loss
Muscle Preservation: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/muscle-preservation

Researching WVE-007? Track it, set reminders, and keep notes in the free app.

Track in App (https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=wve-007)

## Safety & Cautions

- Early clinical stage - only interim Phase 1 data from a single trial; efficacy and safety are not established
- Weight loss to date is modest (~1% at 6 months); the value proposition rests on body composition (fat loss with lean-mass preservation), which must be confirmed in larger, longer trials
- Long-term safety of durable INHBE/Activin E silencing in humans is unknown
- As an investigational RNAi therapeutic it is delivered only within clinical trials; not FDA-approved and not a compounding-eligible peptide
- Any 'WVE-007' or 'INHBE siRNA' offered by a vendor is unverified - it is a proprietary investigational candidate
- Not a dietary supplement or research chemical; it is a prescription-track biologic in development

## Comparisons

See how WVE-007 compares to related peptides:

WVE-007 vs Bimagrumab: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-bimagrumab

WVE-007 vs Lepodisiran: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-lepodisiran

WVE-007 vs MariTide: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-maritide

WVE-007 vs Olpasiran: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-olpasiran

WVE-007 vs Pelacarsen: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-pelacarsen

WVE-007 vs Retatrutide: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-retatrutide

WVE-007 vs Taldefgrobep Alfa: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-taldefgrobep

WVE-007 vs Tirzepatide: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-tirzepatide

WVE-007 vs Trevogrumab: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-trevogrumab

WVE-007 vs Zerlasiran: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare/wve-007-vs-zerlasiran

## Calculator Tools

Use our research tools to explore dosing and reconstitution data:

Reconstitution Calculator: https://peptrackerpro.com/calculators

## Citations

1. [1] Wave Life Sciences - Positive Interim Phase 1 INLIGHT Data at Six Months for WVE-007 (Mar 26, 2026) PubMed (https://ir.wavelifesciences.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wave-life-sciences-announces-positive-interim-phase-1-data)
2. [2] Wave Life Sciences - Positive Interim Phase 1 INLIGHT Data at Three Months for WVE-007 (Dec 8, 2025) PubMed (https://ir.wavelifesciences.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wave-life-sciences-announces-positive-interim-data-phase-1)
3. [3] Wave Life Sciences - Initiation of Phase 2a Portion of INLIGHT for WVE-007 (INHBE GalNAc-siRNA) PubMed (https://ir.wavelifesciences.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wave-life-sciences-announces-initiation-phase-2a-portion)
4. [4] Rare loss of function variants in the hepatokine gene INHBE protect from abdominal obesity (Nature Communications, 2022) PubMed (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-31757-8)

### Keep researching in the app

- Log WVE-007 to your private tracker
- Set a dosing reminder
- Compare it side-by-side with your stack

Open PepTracker Pro Free: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=wve-007

Browse more peptides: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides

## Related Peptides

### Bimagrumab

Medium Evidence

An anti-activin type II receptor antibody that promotes fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass, studied in combination with GLP-1 agonists for obesity.

Fat Loss (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/fat-loss)Muscle Preservation (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/muscle-preservation)Weight Management (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/weight-management)Body Composition (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/body-composition)+1 more

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/bimagrumab

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=bimagrumab
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=bimagrumab

### Lepodisiran

Medium Evidence

An investigational, long-duration injectable small interfering RNA (siRNA) from Eli Lilly that lowers lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] by nearly 94% by silencing the LPA gene in the liver. A single dose keeps Lp(a) suppressed for a year or more, and its Phase 3 ACCLAIM-Lp(a) trial (~12,500 patients) is the first Lp(a) outcomes trial to include people who have not yet had a cardiovascular event.

Cardiovascular: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/cardiovascular
Cholesterol Management: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/cholesterol-management
Disease Modification: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/disease-modification

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/lepodisiran

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=lepodisiran
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=lepodisiran

### MariTide

High Evidence

A bispecific GIPR antagonist and GLP-1 receptor agonist antibody-peptide conjugate developed by Amgen for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Weight Management: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/weight-management
Appetite Regulation: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/appetite-regulation
Fat Loss: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/fat-loss
Metabolism: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/metabolism

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/maritide

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=maritide
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=maritide

### Olpasiran

Medium Evidence

An investigational, once-every-12-weeks injectable small interfering RNA (siRNA) from Amgen that lowers lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] by up to ~97% by silencing the LPA gene in the liver. Its Phase 3 OCEAN(a)-Outcomes cardiovascular outcomes trial (~7,000 patients) is one of the pivotal readouts — due December 2026 — that will help decide whether lowering Lp(a) prevents heart attacks and strokes.

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/olpasiran

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=olpasiran
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=olpasiran

### Pelacarsen

Medium Evidence

A first-in-class, once-monthly injectable antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) from Ionis and Novartis that lowers lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] by shutting down apolipoprotein(a) production in the liver. Its pivotal Lp(a)HORIZON trial (8,323 patients) is the first-ever cardiovascular outcomes trial for any Lp(a)-lowering drug, with a landmark topline readout due in 2026.

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/pelacarsen

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=pelacarsen
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=pelacarsen

### Retatrutide

High Evidence

An investigational triple agonist (GIP/GLP-1/glucagon) studied for obesity and metabolic disease.

Weight Management: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/weight-management
Appetite Regulation: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/appetite-regulation
Metabolism: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/metabolism
Fat Loss: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/fat-loss

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/retatrutide

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=retatrutide
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=retatrutide

### Taldefgrobep Alfa

Low Evidence

A novel myostatin-activin pathway inhibitor targeting fat reduction and lean mass gain, with Phase 2 results in obesity expected H2 2026.

Fat Loss (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/fat-loss)Muscle Preservation (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/muscle-preservation)Muscle Growth (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/muscle-growth)Body Composition (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/body-composition)+1 more

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/taldefgrobep

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=taldefgrobep
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=taldefgrobep

### Tirzepatide

High Evidence

A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, weight management, and MASH with liver fibrosis.

Weight Management (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/weight-management)Appetite Regulation (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/appetite-regulation)Metabolism (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/metabolism)Fat Loss (https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/fat-loss)+1 more

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/tirzepatide

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=tirzepatide
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=tirzepatide

### Trevogrumab

Medium Evidence

Trevogrumab (REGN1033) is an investigational fully human anti-myostatin (anti-GDF8) monoclonal antibody from Regeneron being tested as a lean-mass-sparing add-on to semaglutide in the Phase 2 COURAGE obesity trial; adding it to semaglutide prevented roughly half of the ~33% of GLP-1-induced weight loss that normally comes from muscle, and the semaglutide + trevogrumab + garetosmab triplet reached 13.4% weight loss at 26 weeks with only ~7.4% of that loss from lean mass.

Muscle Preservation: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/muscle-preservation
Body Composition: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/body-composition
Fat Loss: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/fat-loss
Weight Management: https://peptrackerpro.com/benefits/weight-management

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/trevogrumab

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=trevogrumab
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=trevogrumab

### Zerlasiran

Medium Evidence

An investigational, long-acting injectable small interfering RNA (siRNA) from Silence Therapeutics that lowers lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] by more than 80% by silencing the LPA gene in the liver. Dosed only every 16–24 weeks, it produced durable ~90% reductions in its Phase 2 ALPACAR-360 trial (published in JAMA, 2024); as of 2026 the company is seeking a partner before starting its Phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes study.

View Details: https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/zerlasiran

\+ Compare: https://peptrackerpro.com/compare?select=zerlasiran
Track in App: https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=zerlasiran

## Structured data

```json
[
  {
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "PepTracker Pro",
    "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com",
    "logo": "https://peptrackerpro.com/favicon.png",
    "description": "Evidence-based educational resource dedicated to improving peptide research literacy.",
    "contactPoint": {
      "@type": "ContactPoint",
      "email": "hello@peptrackerpro.com",
      "contactType": "customer support"
    },
    "sameAs": []
  },
  {
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "MedicalWebPage",
    "name": "WVE-007",
    "description": "WVE-007 is Wave Life Sciences' investigational GalNAc-conjugated siRNA that silences the liver gene INHBE to lower the hepatokine Activin E, aiming to produce muscle-sparing fat loss. In the Phase 1 INLIGHT trial a single subcutaneous dose reduced visceral and total fat while preserving or increasing lean mass, with durable target knockdown that could support once- or twice-yearly dosing.",
    "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/wve-007",
    "lastReviewed": "2026-08-06",
    "reviewedBy": {
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "PepTracker Pro Research Team",
      "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com"
    },
    "isPartOf": {
      "@type": "WebSite",
      "name": "PepTracker Pro",
      "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com"
    }
  },
  {
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
      {
        "@type": "ListItem",
        "position": 1,
        "name": "Home",
        "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com"
      },
      {
        "@type": "ListItem",
        "position": 2,
        "name": "Peptides",
        "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides"
      },
      {
        "@type": "ListItem",
        "position": 3,
        "name": "WVE-007",
        "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/wve-007"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "mainEntity": [
      {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "People following muscle-sparing or 'quality of weight loss' approaches beyond GLP-1 and amylin drugs?",
        "acceptedAnswer": {
          "@type": "Answer",
          "text": "WVE-007 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. WVE-007 is Wave Life Sciences' investigational GalNAc-conjugated siRNA that silences the liver gene INHBE to lower the hepatokine Activin E, aiming to produce muscle-sparing fat loss. In the Phase 1 INLIGHT trial a single subcutaneous dose reduced visceral and total fat while preserving or increasing lean mass, with durable target knockdown that could support once- or twice-yearly dosing."
        }
      },
      {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "Those interested in genetically validated obesity targets such as INHBE/Activin E and ALK7?",
        "acceptedAnswer": {
          "@type": "Answer",
          "text": "WVE-007 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. WVE-007 is Wave Life Sciences' investigational GalNAc-conjugated siRNA that silences the liver gene INHBE to lower the hepatokine Activin E, aiming to produce muscle-sparing fat loss. In the Phase 1 INLIGHT trial a single subcutaneous dose reduced visceral and total fat while preserving or increasing lean mass, with durable target knockdown that could support once- or twice-yearly dosing."
        }
      },
      {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "Individuals tracking siRNA/RNAi therapeutics and the prospect of once- or twice-yearly dosing?",
        "acceptedAnswer": {
          "@type": "Answer",
          "text": "WVE-007 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. WVE-007 is Wave Life Sciences' investigational GalNAc-conjugated siRNA that silences the liver gene INHBE to lower the hepatokine Activin E, aiming to produce muscle-sparing fat loss. In the Phase 1 INLIGHT trial a single subcutaneous dose reduced visceral and total fat while preserving or increasing lean mass, with durable target knockdown that could support once- or twice-yearly dosing."
        }
      },
      {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "Researchers and investors watching the Activin E/ALK7 pathway (Wave, Arrowhead) as a next wave in obesity medicine?",
        "acceptedAnswer": {
          "@type": "Answer",
          "text": "WVE-007 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. WVE-007 is Wave Life Sciences' investigational GalNAc-conjugated siRNA that silences the liver gene INHBE to lower the hepatokine Activin E, aiming to produce muscle-sparing fat loss. In the Phase 1 INLIGHT trial a single subcutaneous dose reduced visceral and total fat while preserving or increasing lean mass, with durable target knockdown that could support once- or twice-yearly dosing."
        }
      }
    ]
  }
]
```