Regeneron Focuses on Muscle Preservation in Obesity Treatments
Regeneron Highlights Health Risks of Weight-Loss Drugs
George Yancopoulos, the co-founder and chief scientific officer of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: REGN), has raised important health concerns regarding the increasingly popular class of GLP-1 weight-loss medications. His apprehension mainly revolves around the potential for rapid muscle loss, which can negate the overall benefits of these drugs.
Concerns Over Muscle Loss
Yancopoulos cautioned that if not adequately managed, the side effects of GLP-1 treatments could result in patients experiencing “more harm than good.” Emerging clinical studies reveal alarming statistics, indicating that individuals using these medications, such as Novo Nordisk A/S’ (NYSE: NVO) Ozempic and Wegovy, suffer greater muscle loss relative to those who incorporate traditional weight loss methods, including diet and exercise.
Adherence Issues with GLP-1 Treatments
Analyzing U.S. pharmacy claims data, research has found that only 25% of patients prescribed Wegovy and Ozempic maintain their treatment regimen after two years. This low adherence raises further alarms about the sustainability and effectiveness of these weight-loss solutions.
Impact on Body Composition
Yancopoulos highlighted another pressing concern: patients who stop using GLP-1 medications often regain weight, but with a higher fat-to-muscle ratio. He described this outcome as “adding insult to injury,” emphasizing the long-term potential for negative changes in body composition among users of these drugs.
Research Directions: Muscle Preservation
As these issues mount, Regeneron is actively investigating methods to preserve muscle mass while patients lose weight. The company has initiated a Phase 2 trial involving trevogrumab, which works by blocking myostatin, a hormone known to inhibit muscle growth. This innovative approach is being studied in conjunction with Wegovy (semaglutide), with topline results anticipated in the latter half of 2025.
Promising Early Results
Regeneron’s previous studies, specifically a Phase 1 trial evaluating garetosmab (an anti-activin A compound) and trevogrumab, revealed promising results. These studies demonstrated that when combined, these therapies not only increased lean mass significantly but also reduced fat mass in healthy participants.
The Competitive Landscape
In the growing field of obesity treatments, Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE: LLY) has made significant strides by acquiring Versanis Bio for up to $1.925 billion. This acquisition enhances its portfolio of obesity medications. Eli Lilly claims that its bimagrumab can effectively reduce fat mass while simultaneously preserving muscle mass in individuals dealing with obesity and related complications.
Future Directions for Regeneron
Looking ahead, Yancopoulos has hinted that Regeneron may explore entering the GLP-1 market with its formulations, albeit with caution. He expressed skepticism about whether GLP-1 medications can truly address the complexities of metabolic diseases.
Stock Performance Update
Price Action: At the latest review, REGN stocks experienced a slight dip, down by 0.23% to $1,010.51, reflecting broader market trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications are a class of drugs used for weight loss and diabetes management, designed to mimic the effects of the glucagon-like peptide hormone.
Why is muscle preservation important during weight loss?
Poor muscle preservation can lead to negatively affecting metabolism, physical strength, and overall health after weight loss, which is why maintaining muscle mass is critical.
What is Regeneron doing about muscle loss in weight-loss medications?
Regeneron is conducting research to develop treatments that promote muscle growth while patients lose weight with traditional medications.
What are the expected results from Regeneron's Phase 2 trial?
The Phase 2 trial for trevogrumab, aimed at preserving muscle during weight loss, is expected to yield topline results in the latter half of 2025.
How are other companies responding to these health risks?
Companies like Eli Lilly are also developing new treatments that aim to reduce fat while preserving muscle mass to address the shortcomings of existing GLP-1 medications.
About Investors Hangout
Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/
Disclaimer: The content of this article is solely for general informational purposes only; it does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice; the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. The author's interpretation of publicly available data shapes the opinions presented here; as a result, they should not be taken as advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities mentioned or any other investments. The author does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any material, providing it "as is." Information and market conditions may change; past performance is not indicative of future outcomes. If any of the material offered here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.
Related Articles
- Insignia Systems Faces Challenges as LDWY Hits 52-Week Low
- Experience the New Era of Luxury Living at Turtle Cove
- 4D Molecular Therapeutics Faces Challenges Amidst Stock Decline
- Transition of Leadership at Salem Media: Jerry Crowley's Legacy
- C-Crete Technologies Secures Grants for Eco-Friendly Concrete
- Investors Take Note: Legal Options for Shareholders Explored
- Biogen Stock Hits 52-Week Low: What Investors Need to Know
- Las Mercedes Medical Centers Expands Reach with New Acquisition
- Mexico's Inflation Rate Expected to Decline in September Insights
- French Stock Market Gains Momentum with CAC 40 Updates
Recent Articles
- Preverity Teams Up with Graves Gilbert Clinic for Patient Safety
- Innovative Alliance Enhancing Behavioral Health Care Solutions
- Cloud Services Empower U.S. Firms for Future Growth and Innovation
- Hyperlink InfoSystem Emerges as Leading Software Developer
- Terran Orbital Corporation Investors Encouraged to Join Lawsuit
- Acetone Market Set to Reach $7.55 Billion by 2031 with 5.4% Growth
- Exploring the Future of Access Control as a Service Market
- Luckey Farmers and Mid-Wood Merger: A New Chapter Begins
- Understanding the Shift in Retirement Income Concerns
- Fresh Thyme Market Predicts Top Food Trends for 2025
- Oscium Expands Offerings with the Acquisition of MetaGeek
- International Call for Media Freedom: Support for Mech Dara
- Butterfly Equity's Acquisition of The Duckhorn Portfolio
- Analyst Downgrade Picks Up Momentum for Amazon Shares
- Nvidia's Upcoming AI Summit: A New Era for Investors
- Revolution Medicines Showcases Innovative Research at Major Symposium
- Chinese Stocks Surge: Insights into Alibaba, JD, NIO, and More
- Scilex Holding Company Secures $50 Million Financing for Debt Revamp
- Freddie Mac Launches Comprehensive Tender Offer for STACR Notes
- Sodexo Unveils Innovative Frictionless Stores Across Campuses
- Hudbay Secures Resolution in Prolonged Civil Litigation Matters
- Banijay Rights Expands Reach for Highway Thru Hell Content
- Biomea Fusion Showcases Breakthroughs in Diabetes Therapy
- Analysis of Medicare Plans' Rising Administrative Costs
- Stock Market Update: Declines in Major Indices Reflect Trends
- China's Stock Rally: Causes, Concerns, and Future Outlook
- Air Products' Stock Soars After Activist Investor Engagement
- Weibo Corporation's Stock Hits New High with Promising Metrics
- Experts Revise AZZ Earnings Forecast Before Imminent Release
- RXDco Launches Eco-Friendly Cocoon Jars for Cannabis
- Duke Energy Florida Braces for Hurricane Milton Impact
- Brookdale Senior Living Faces Downgrade Amid Economic Strain
- Molecular Partners: Driving Innovation in Cancer Therapy
- Stratos Solutions Chooses Unanet for ERP to Foster Growth
- Brookfield Property Partners Achieves Record Stock Performance
- Get Well's Commitment to Social Determinants of Health Recognized
- Calamos Global Total Return Reaches New Heights in Market
- Aditx Therapeutics Faces Challenges Amid Stock Decline
- Generac Holdings Sees Stock Rally, Hits 52-Week High of $169.69
- BreachLock's Innovative Analytics Power Fortune 500 Security
- Citi Upgrades Air Products Stock Amid Strategic Changes
- Claros Mortgage Trust's Stock Performance and Future Outlook
- Understanding GORV's Struggles: An In-Depth Analysis
- Germany's Finance Minister Promises Recovery and Growth Strategies
- Surge in US Money Market Funds amidst Global Uncertainty
- Meta's Innovative Tech Ventures: Driving Future Potential Amid Losses
- Top 3 Tech Stocks to Watch This Quarter for Growth Potential
- Exciting Events in Q4 2024 to Watch for Investors
- Market Update: Equities React to Rate Cut Speculations
- Refined Energy Corp. Advances Dufferin Project Exploration Plans