Fat loss, not strength loss: inside pharma's latest race
WASHINGTON, D.C.: As the global weight-loss market explodes, drugmakers are now racing to solve a less visible problem: protecting muscle mass.
Existing treatments like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound have proven effective at helping people shed pounds, but not all the weight lost is fat. Muscle loss, especially in older patients, can raise the risk of falls and lower physical strength, spurring a wave of new drug development.
Here's a look at the key players and their experimental therapies designed to combat fat while preserving or even boosting lean muscle:
Eli Lilly
Lilly spent nearly $2 billion in 2023 to acquire Versanis Bio's bimagrumab, a treatment that inhibits the myostatin protein to help protect muscle. The company is testing the drug alone and with Novo's Wegovy in a mid-stage trial. It also partnered with China's Laekna to develop a similar drug.
Regeneron
Regeneron is evaluating trevogrumab—a similar myostatin-targeting antibody—in combination with Wegovy and another drug, garetosmab. The three-part study includes both healthy and obese participants and tracks changes in weight, fat, waist size, body composition, and thigh muscle volume. It is expected to wrap up next year.
Scholar Rock
Scholar Rock's apitegromab, also a myostatin inhibitor, is being tested with Lilly's Zepbound. A mid-stage study showed the combination helped preserve more lean mass than Zepbound alone.
Roche
Roche is studying RG6237, an anti-latent myostatin, in overweight individuals. Starting this year, it plans to combine this drug with its own GLP-1 candidate, CT-388, in a mid-stage trial.
Biohaven
Biohaven's taldefgrobep alfa recently fell short in treating spinal muscular atrophy, but in an early-stage obesity trial, it reduced fat mass and increased lean mass and bone density. A mid-stage obesity trial is planned.
Keros Pharma
Keros' KER-065 targets both myostatin and activin A. In preclinical trials, it boosted lean mass and cut fat in obese mice. A first-stage trial in obese men is underway, with results expected in Q1 2025.
Northstrive Biosciences
Northstrive, formerly Elevai Labs, bought two myostatin-targeting drugs (EL-22 and EL-32) from South Korea's MOA Life Plus. It plans to seek FDA clearance for human trials this year, paired with GLP-1 therapies.
Veru
Veru's oral drug enobosarm targets androgen hormones. In a mid-stage study, patients who took it with Wegovy lost 71 percent less muscle than those on Wegovy plus a placebo. A late-stage study will now assess stair climb power in patients 60 and older.
35 Pharma
35Pharma will soon begin early-stage testing of HS235, which targets activin and GDF ligands involved in muscle, bone, and blood metabolism. Data is expected in the second half of 2025.
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
Arrowhead is developing two RNA-based obesity drugs—ARO-INHBE and ARO-ALK7—that interrupt fat-storage signals. Human trials of ARO-INHBE, both solo and alongside Lilly's tripeptide, are planned for this year.
Six Peaks / AstraZeneca
In May 2024, AstraZeneca agreed to pay up to $80 million to Swiss biotech SixPeaks Bio for access to an antibody targeting activin cell receptors. The goal was to protect the muscle during weight loss and potentially acquire SixPeaks down the line.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Canada News.Net
13 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
Fat loss, not strength loss: inside pharma's latest race
WASHINGTON, D.C.: As the global weight-loss market explodes, drugmakers are now racing to solve a less visible problem: protecting muscle mass. Existing treatments like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound have proven effective at helping people shed pounds, but not all the weight lost is fat. Muscle loss, especially in older patients, can raise the risk of falls and lower physical strength, spurring a wave of new drug development. Here's a look at the key players and their experimental therapies designed to combat fat while preserving or even boosting lean muscle: Eli Lilly Lilly spent nearly $2 billion in 2023 to acquire Versanis Bio's bimagrumab, a treatment that inhibits the myostatin protein to help protect muscle. The company is testing the drug alone and with Novo's Wegovy in a mid-stage trial. It also partnered with China's Laekna to develop a similar drug. Regeneron Regeneron is evaluating trevogrumab—a similar myostatin-targeting antibody—in combination with Wegovy and another drug, garetosmab. The three-part study includes both healthy and obese participants and tracks changes in weight, fat, waist size, body composition, and thigh muscle volume. It is expected to wrap up next year. Scholar Rock Scholar Rock's apitegromab, also a myostatin inhibitor, is being tested with Lilly's Zepbound. A mid-stage study showed the combination helped preserve more lean mass than Zepbound alone. Roche Roche is studying RG6237, an anti-latent myostatin, in overweight individuals. Starting this year, it plans to combine this drug with its own GLP-1 candidate, CT-388, in a mid-stage trial. Biohaven Biohaven's taldefgrobep alfa recently fell short in treating spinal muscular atrophy, but in an early-stage obesity trial, it reduced fat mass and increased lean mass and bone density. A mid-stage obesity trial is planned. Keros Pharma Keros' KER-065 targets both myostatin and activin A. In preclinical trials, it boosted lean mass and cut fat in obese mice. A first-stage trial in obese men is underway, with results expected in Q1 2025. Northstrive Biosciences Northstrive, formerly Elevai Labs, bought two myostatin-targeting drugs (EL-22 and EL-32) from South Korea's MOA Life Plus. It plans to seek FDA clearance for human trials this year, paired with GLP-1 therapies. Veru Veru's oral drug enobosarm targets androgen hormones. In a mid-stage study, patients who took it with Wegovy lost 71 percent less muscle than those on Wegovy plus a placebo. A late-stage study will now assess stair climb power in patients 60 and older. 35 Pharma 35Pharma will soon begin early-stage testing of HS235, which targets activin and GDF ligands involved in muscle, bone, and blood metabolism. Data is expected in the second half of 2025. Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Arrowhead is developing two RNA-based obesity drugs—ARO-INHBE and ARO-ALK7—that interrupt fat-storage signals. Human trials of ARO-INHBE, both solo and alongside Lilly's tripeptide, are planned for this year. Six Peaks / AstraZeneca In May 2024, AstraZeneca agreed to pay up to $80 million to Swiss biotech SixPeaks Bio for access to an antibody targeting activin cell receptors. The goal was to protect the muscle during weight loss and potentially acquire SixPeaks down the line.
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Cision Canada
Media Advisory - Simultaneous launch of Canadian space technologies Français
LONGUEUIL, QC, June 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Several technologies funded by the Canadian Space Agency under the Space Technology Development Program will be launched into space by SpaceX. These projects are a testament to Canada's leadership in space innovation. EarthDaily Analytics will use high-precision thermal imagers to monitor plant transpiration. The data collected could help farmers make decisions about irrigation, fertilization and crop rotation. It could also provide precise information about areas at greatest risk of wildfires, in order to protect our communities. INO provided infrared cameras as part of this project. Galaxia will launch its first satellite, MÖBIUS-1, a software-defined satellite designed to carry various types of Earth observation sensors. The MÖBIUS constellation could be used for a variety of applications, such as defence, environmental monitoring, agriculture, infrastructure, maritime operations and transportation. GHGSat will add two satellites to its commercial constellation, bringing the company's total to 13 methane detection satellites and one CO 2 detection satellite. Mission Control will test its onboard artificial intelligence (AI) software and machine learning operations system SpacefarerAI™ in partnership with Spire Global. Their Persistence mission aims to show how AI can analyze satellite images directly in space, thereby eliminating the need to send all data to Earth for processing. Xona Space Systems will test Pulsar, a demonstration satellite designed to validate a new generation of satellite navigation from low Earth orbit. This technology could improve precision and reliability of positioning services, including in urban areas, remote areas and the Arctic. Also contributing to the GHGSat and EarthDaily Analytics satellites are ABB 's business unit in Quebec, supplying sophisticated optical sensors, and Xiphos Systems, providing high-performance onboard processors. These innovations demonstrate the ability of Canadian companies to develop innovative technologies that meet the needs of the space program and have strong commercial potential. Media who wish to speak with a Canadian Space Agency expert or a representative from one of these Canadian companies are asked to contact the Media Relations Office.
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Cision Canada
Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals Presented Multiple Results in Novel Diabetes Therapies at the American Diabetes Association's 85th Scientific Sessions
In a Phase 2a clinical trial, the GLP-1 RA bofanglutide injection demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile after 23 weeks of once weekly treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with significant HbA1c reductions alongside comprehensive benefits for body weight, blood pressure and blood lipid profiles. In a Phase 2b clinical trial, the bofanglutide injection showed superior HbA1c and body weight reduction than semaglutide (Ozempic ®) after 24 weeks of bi-weekly treatment in patients with T2DM, along with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. In a Phase 2 clinical trial, the once-weekly insulin GZR4 injection demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety profiles in patients with T2DM after 16 weeks of treatment. Notably, GZR4 injection achieved superior HbA1c reduction in patients with inadequate glycemic control on prior basal insulin therapy compared to once-daily insulin degludec (Tresiba ®). BEIJING and BRIDGEWATER, N.J., June 21, 2025 /CNW/ -- Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals (Gan & Lee, stock code: announced that the company presented multiple Phase 2 clinical study results of ultra-long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) bofanglutide (research code: GZR18) injection and once-weekly basal insulin analog GZR4 injection during a poster presentation at the American Diabetes Association (ADA)'s 85th Scientific Sessions. Bofanglutide injection and GZR4 injection are investigational drugs that have not yet been launched in any country. Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals does not recommend the use of any unapproved drugs/indications. Bofanglutide injection: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase 2a Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of Bofanglutide (GZR18) Injection in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) In this Phase 2a clinical trial (NCT06256523), 36 adults with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control through diet and exercise and/or irregular use of antidiabetic medications, were randomized to receive either bofanglutide injection (N=27) or placebo (N=9) once weekly (QW) for 23 weeks, with a dose escalating from 1.5 mg to 13 mg. The key efficacy endpoint was HbA1c change from baseline to week 23. After 23 weeks of treatment, the mean HbA1c change from baseline in the bofanglutide groups was -1.81% compared to 0.12% in the placebo group, with an estimated treatment difference of -1.93% points *. The proportion of participants achieving an HbA1c target of <7.0% and ≤6.5% was 57.7% and 46.2%, respectively, compared to zero in the placebo group. In terms of weight management, participants treated with bofanglutide experienced a mean reduction in body weight of 6.92 kg from baseline, corresponding to a 9.3% decrease, compared to a minimal reduction of 1.2% in the placebo group. Furthermore, bofanglutide showed comprehensive improvements over placebo in multiple metabolic parameters, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated albumin (GA), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, and lipid profiles. In terms of safety, bofanglutide was well tolerated in patients with T2DM. Consistent with known GLP-1 RAs, the most common adverse events were gastrointestinal-related, primarily observed during the early dose-escalation period with mostly mild to moderate in severity. No hypoglycemic events or investigational product-related serious adverse events were reported during the study. Bofanglutide injection: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label, Active comparator-controlled Phase 2 Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of bofanglutide Injection versus Semaglutide (Ozempic ®) in Chinese Patients with T2DM In this Phase 2b clinical trial (NCT06256549), a total of 272 eligible Chinese patients with T2DM, who had inadequate glycemic control either after lifestyle intervention or despite stable use of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) for at least 3 months, were randomized to receive bi-weekly (Q2W) 12 mg (N=55), 18 mg (N=54), 24 mg (N=55) bofanglutide injections, or once-weekly (QW) 24 mg (N=54) bofanglutide injections, or 1 mg semaglutide (Ozempic ®, N=54) for 24 weeks of treatment, including the dose-escalation period. The primary endpoint was HbA1c change from baseline to week 24. After 24 weeks of treatment, the mean reductions in HbA1c from baseline were 1.87%, 2.28%, and 1.94% in the bofanglutide groups at 12 mg, 18 mg, and 24 mg Q2W, respectively, and -2.32% in the 24 mg QW group. All these treatment regimens showed greater HbA1c reductions compared to the semaglutide group (-1.60%), with the 18 mg Q2W and 24 mg QW bofanglutide groups demonstrating statistically significant superiority (p<0.001) *. Among drug-naïve patients with inadequate glycemic control despite lifestyle interventions, the 18 mg Q2W bofanglutide group achieved a mean HbA1c reduction of 2.98%, which was significantly greater than that observed with semaglutide (-2.04%; p<0.001)*. The proportions of patients achieving HbA1c target of <7.0% were 63.0% to 73.6% in the Q2W bofanglutide group, 75.0% in the QW bofanglutide group, and 70.0% in the semaglutide group. For the HbA1c ≤6.5% target, the corresponding proportions were 58.2% to 67.9%, 69.2%, and 62.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the mean change in body weight for all bofanglutide groups from baseline to week 24 ranged from -4.26 to -6.54 kg, compared to -3.25 kg in the semaglutide group *. Bofanglutide also greatly improved FPG, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and other metabolic parameters. In this study, bofanglutide was g enerally well tolerated, with safety and tolerability consistent with other known GLP-1 RAs. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal-related, mostly mild to moderate in severity, and no sever e hypoglycemic events were observed. GZR4 injection: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label, Active-controlled, Treat-to-target Phase 2 Clinical Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of GZR4 Injection Versus Insulin degludec (IDeg, Tresiba ®) in Chinese patients with T2DM This Phase 2 clinical study (NCT06202079) enrolled a total of 83 Chinese patients with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control on OADs (Part A), and 96 patients with inadequate control on OADs combined with basal insulin therapy (Part B). Participants were randomized to receive QW GZR4 injection (Part A: N=42; Part B: N=41) or once-daily IDeg (Tresiba ®) injection (Part A: N=48; Part B: N=48) for 16 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 16. After 16 weeks of treatment, in patients from Part A, the mean change in HbA1c was comparable between GZR4 groups and IDeg groups (−1.50% versus -1.48%, p = 0.90). The proportion of participants achieving HbA1c target of <7.0% was 59.5% in the GZR4 group and 70.7% in the IDeg group, while the proportion achieving HbA1c target of ≤6.5% was 38.1% and 29.3%, respectively. In patients from Part B, GZR4 demonstrated significantly greater HbA1c reduction compared to IDeg (-1.26% vs -0.87%; p<0.01), with a higher proportion of patients achieving HbA1c targets of <7.0% and ≤6.5% (52.1% vs 29.2%; 25.0% vs 10.4%). In addition, improvements from baseline in FPG and time in range (TIR) were comparable between the GZR4 group and IDeg group. GZR4 achieved effective glycemic control without the need for a loading dose at the first administration, while the total weekly insulin dosage (mole) for GZR4 was approximately 40–50% of that for IDeg (p<0.001). In terms of safety, the incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups. No severe hypoglycemic events or investigational product-related serious adverse events were reported during the study. * The clinical data were presented as mean (SE) value. The detailed results of the above Phase 2 clinical study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion and Future Direction The latest clinical results presented at this year's ADA conference highlight Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals' leading position in the development of long-acting antidiabetic therapies. Building on these positive outcomes, the company will continue to advance the research and development of innovative treatments for diabetes. Currently, Gan & Lee has initiated and is accelerating large-scale Phase 3 clinical programs in China for bofanglutide injection and GZR4 injections for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, aiming to provide more effective treatment options for patients with diabetes. Forward-looking statements Forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and assumptions as of the date of the statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, and we can give no assurance that such results will be achieved in the future. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. About Gan & Lee Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals developed the first Chinese domestic insulin analog. Currently, Gan & Lee has six core insulin products, including five insulin analog varieties: long-acting glargine injection (Basalin ®), fast-acting lispro injection (Prandilin™), fast-acting aspart injection (Rapilin ®), mixed protamine zinc lispro injection (25R) (Prandilin™25), aspart 30 injection (Rapilin ® 30), and one human insulin injection - mixed protamine human insulin injection (30R) (Similin ® 30). The company has two approved medical devices in China, namely reusable insulin injection pen (GanleePen), and disposable pen needle (GanleeFine ®). In China's 2024 National Insulin-Specific Centralized Procurement, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals ranked first among all selected companies in terms of procurement demand for insulin analogs. The company is also making strides in international markets, with the disposable pen needle (GanleeFine ®) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 and received GMP inspection approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2024. These achievements significantly boost Gan & Lee's competitiveness in both international and domestic markets. In the future, Gan & Lee will strive for comprehensive coverage in diabetes treatment. Moving forward with its mission to become a world-class pharmaceutical company, Gan & Lee will also actively develop new chemical entities and biological drugs, focusing on treatments for metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other therapeutic areas.
