Activin receptor inhibitors
Bimagrumab. This drug is a monoclonal antibody activin receptor inhibitor that binds to activin type II receptors. In a phase 2 study of 58 individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity who received monthly medication or placebo, participants receiving bimagrumab lost 20.5% of fat mass and gained 3.6% of lean mass at 48 weeks, and the most common adverse events were mild diarrhea and muscle spasm.
Bimagrumab and semaglutide for obesity are being studied in BELIEVE, an ongoing phase 2b study. Topline results are anticipated by the end of 2024.
Taldefgrobep. The fusion protein taldefgrobep binds active myostatin. A phase 2 study of taldefgrobep for obesity is planned to start in 2024.
Dr. Jastreboff is on the scientific advisory board for Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk, and has received research support form Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Rhythm, and NIH/NIDDK.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.