Scholar Rock, a biotechnology company, has initiated the Phase 2 EMBRAZE trial to evaluate apitegromab, a myostatin inhibitor, for preserving muscle mass in obese individuals receiving GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapy. The trial will also assess apitegromab’s impact on weight loss maintenance after GLP-1 RA discontinuation.
Preclinical studies have demonstrated that SRK-439, a selective myostatin inhibitor optimized for cardiometabolic disorders, has the potential to increase lean mass and prevent fat mass regain after GLP-1 RA withdrawal. These findings were presented at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions.
SRK-439 has shown promise as a potential treatment for obesity, as it has demonstrated preservation of lean mass during GLP-1 RA-induced weight loss and attenuation of fat mass rebound following GLP-1 RA withdrawal. Its potency has also been shown to surpass that of an anti-ACTRII antibody.
Scholar Rock’s cardiometabolic program continues to progress, and the company anticipates providing further updates on SRK-439 and the EMBRAZE trial in the future. The goal of this research is to develop effective therapies for obesity and other cardiometabolic disorders where protein growth factors play a crucial role.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.

