Scholar Rock, a biotechnology company based in Massachusetts, announced positive topline results from its phase 2 EMBRAZE clinical trial evaluating apitegromab in adults with obesity. According to the company, apitegromab met its primary endpoint by demonstrating statistically significant preservation of lean mass compared to placebo during weight loss induced by tirzepatide.
The company reported that patients receiving apitegromab experienced a relative increase of 4.2% in the lean mass index at week 24 compared to those on placebo. Scholar Rock claims this benefit was consistent across all pre-specified subgroups.
The EMBRAZE trial enrolled 100 participants who were also treated with tirzepatide, an approved GLP-1 receptor agonist known for its effects on weight reduction. Scholar Rock said that apitegromab was generally well tolerated, with no new safety concerns identified.
Apitegromab, an investigational selective inhibitor of myostatin activation, is also being studied for spinal muscular atrophy. The company stated that it plans to further explore apitegromab’s potential as an adjunctive therapy to GLP-1 drugs in obesity to help preserve muscle mass during weight loss.
