On February 19th, weight-loss methods like lifestyle changes, surgery, and popular therapies such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound can lead to both fat and muscle loss, potentially increasing the risk of falls and reducing overall strength, which is particularly concerning for elderly patients.
Several companies are working on solutions to help maintain or increase muscle mass while patients lose weight:
- Eli Lilly: Acquired Versanis Bio's bimagrumab, which hinders the protein myostatin to preserve muscle mass. They are testing bimagrumab alone and in combination with Novo's Wegovy.
- Regeneron: Testing trevogrumab and garetosmab, along with Wegovy, in a study focusing on weight change and other measurements like fat mass and muscle volume.
- Scholar Rock: Assessing apitegromab, a therapy targeting myostatin, alongside GLP-1 treatments.
- Roche: Examining RG6237, an anti-latent myostatin drug, individually and in combination with their GLP-1 drug.
- Biohaven: Evaluating taldefgrobep alfa in obesity trials, showing promising results in reducing body fat and increasing lean mass.
- Keros Pharma: Studying KER-065, which targets myostatin and activin A proteins, and increased lean mass in obese mice.
- Elevai Biosciences: Acquired myostatin targeting drugs from MOA Life Plus, planning human studies in combination with GLP-1 treatments.
- Veru: Testing enobosarm, targeting androgen hormones and helping preserve muscle mass in patients using current weight-loss methods.
- 35 Pharma: Investigating HS235, a treatment targeting activin and GDF ligands in an early-stage study.
- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals: Developing RNA-based obesity drugs ARO-INHBE and ARO-ALK7 to regulate fat storage pathways.
- Six Peaks/AstraZeneca: Collaborating with SixPeaks Bio on an antibody to preserve muscle mass during weight-loss therapy, potentially acquiring exclusive rights.
These companies are at the forefront of advancements that could revolutionize weight-loss treatments and address concerns about muscle loss during weight reduction efforts.