Can a Muscle-Saving drug boost weight loss?

NCT ID NCT06445075

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Scholar Rock, Inc. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 study tested whether adding apitegromab (a drug that blocks a muscle-weakening protein) to tirzepatide (a GLP-1 weight-loss drug) helps overweight and obese adults lose fat while keeping lean muscle. 102 participants received either the combination or placebo over 24 weeks. The main goal was to see changes in total lean body mass and body weight.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: apitegromab (a drug that blocks myostatin activation, given by IV infusion every 4 weeks) plus tirzepatide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist)
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could help people lose fat while preserving muscle, improving body composition and metabolic health.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 2 trial with only 102 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug is given by IV, which is less convenient than injections used for other weight-loss medications.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Obesity obesity disorder Overweight

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

AdventHealth Translational Research Institute

Orlando, Florida, 32804, United States
Alliance for Multispecialty Research, LLC

Norman, Oklahoma, 73069, United States
Apex Mobile Clinical Research

Bellaire, Texas, 77401, United States
Clinical Trials of Texas, LLC dba Flourish Research

San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
Great Lakes Clinical Trials, LLC d/b/a Flourish Research

Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States
ProSciento CRU

Chula Vista, California, 91911, United States
Tandem Clinical Research GI, LLC

Marrero, Louisiana, 70072, United States

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