Combination Therapy of\u00a0Bimagrumab and Semaglutide Enhances Fat Loss and Preserves Muscle<\/b><\/p>\n
Findings of study demonstrating the effectiveness of combining bimagrumab \u2013 a drug designed to combat muscle loss \u2013 with a common GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA), semaglutide,\u00a0were presented during a late-breaking symposium.<\/p>\n
The BELIEVE Phase 2b trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study evaluating the effects of bimagrumab, alone and in combination with semaglutide, in adults with overweight or obesity. Bimagrumab is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets activin type II receptors, promoting muscle preservation and growth. 507 participants received semaglutide as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and\/or bimagrumab administered via intravenous (IV) infusion at weeks 4, 16, 28, and 40. The primary endpoint was change in body weight (BW) from baseline. Secondary endpoints included changes in waist circumference, total body fat mass, visceral adipose tissue, and lean mass.<\/p>\n
The results demonstrated the combination of bimagrumab and semaglutide therapy led to greater reductions in weight, body fat, visceral fat, and markers of inflammation compared to either treatment alone. The combination therapy yielded 92.8% of total weight loss from fat mass compared to semaglutide alone (71.8%) and a 22.1% decrease in bodyweight (\u221210.8% bimagrumab alone; \u221215.7% semaglutide alone). Notably, with the use of bimagrumab alone, 100% of weight loss was attributed to fat mass and there was an increase of 2.5% total lean mass.<\/p>\n
“This study represents another major step forward in the evolution of obesity treatment, building on the significant weight loss benefits of semaglutide and combining it with bimagrumab to improve patient outcomes,” said Steven Heymsfield, MD, Professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and lead author of the study. “These insights indicate that is not only possible to achieve substantial fat loss, but also to preserve, or even enhance, lean mass in the process.”<\/p>\n
The researchers are conducting studies of bimagrumab in combination with tirzepatide to evaluate its impact on both efficacy and safety.<\/p>\n
Novel Protein Sensor Shows Potential to Track Muscle Loss During GLP-1 RA Therapy<\/b><\/p>\n
A new study, presented as a late-breaking poster, demonstrates proof of concept for a continuous protein sensor as a tool to prevent muscle loss during GLP-1 therapy.<\/p>\n
The study evaluated a biosensor to track loss of lean muscle mass (LLMM) and protein ingestion in patients taking incretin based therapies. Using a DNA-based bioreceptor (called an aptamer), the sensor was designed to detect phenylalanine, and a key biomarker released during muscle breakdown or after eating protein.<\/p>\n
While phenylalanine levels for healthy adults are 100 \u00b5M\/L or higher with high protein meals, the sensor was tested in a lab with phenylalanine concentrations up to 1500 \u00b5M\/L. Results showed the biosensor effectively detected phenylalanine with a low limit of detection (4 \u00b5M\/L), within and beyond physiologic ranges. The findings indicate stability of the sensor over time, linear performance, and minimal sensitivity loss over seven days.<\/p>\n
“GLP-1 medications have transformed the treatment of diabetes and obesity, but they can also increase the risk of muscle loss,” said Rebecca Gottlieb, Ph.D, Vice President of Advanced Sensor Technologies at Biolinq and lead author of the study.\u00a0“While patients are advised to consume more protein to preserve muscle, it’s often difficult to know if they’re getting enough. That is why solutions to bridge this gap by providing real-time feedback are more important than ever \u2014 especially for those on GLP-1 therapies, older adults, or anyone managing sarcopenia.”<\/p>\n
The next phase of research will focus on conducting clinical trials to evaluate its performance in real-world settings.<\/p>\n
Research presentation details:<\/b><\/p>\n
Dr. Heymsfield\u00a0will present the findings at the late-breaking symposia presentation session:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Can We Improve the Quality of Weight Loss by Augmenting Fat Mass Loss while Preserving Lean Mass? The BELIEVE Study of\u00a0Bimagrumab + Semaglutide<\/li>\n
- Presented on Monday, June 23 at 8:00 \u2013 9:30 AM CT<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dr. Gottlieb will present the findings as a late-breaking poster session:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Continuous Protein Sensor for\u00a0Sarcopenia Management During GLP-1 RA Therapy<\/li>\n
- Presented on Sunday, June 22 at 12:30 \u2013 1:30 PM CT<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
About the ADA’s Scientific Sessions<\/b>
The ADA’s 85th Scientific Sessions, the world’s largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will be held in Chicago, IL on June 20-23. Thousands of leading physicians, scientists, and health care professionals from around the world are expected to convene both in person and virtually to unveil cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. Attendees will receive exclusive access to thousands of original research presentations and take part in provocative and engaging exchanges with leading diabetes experts. Join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using #ADASciSessions.<\/p>\nAbout the American Diabetes Association<\/b>
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure \u2014and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org<\/a>\u00a0or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association<\/a>), Spanish Facebook (Asociaci\u00f3n Americana de la Diabetes<\/a>), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association<\/a>), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn<\/a>). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\nMedia Contact: Mimi Carmody, [email\u00a0protected]<\/a><\/p>\n
SOURCE American Diabetes Association<\/p>\n
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