Biohaven, a biotech company, aims to challenge popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy with a unique approach. While GLP-1 agonists, the current favorites in the market, have gained popularity for their weight loss effects, Biohaven addresses concerns related to side effects and the quality of weight loss. Peter Ackerman, head of clinical development at Biohaven, highlights issues like lean tissue loss, including muscle, associated with GLP-1 agonists.
Biohaven’s experimental drug, taldefgrobep alfa, is a myostatin inhibitor that the company believes can provide a better balance between weight loss and muscle preservation. Myostatin is a protein that regulates muscle growth, and inhibiting it could prevent muscle loss. Taldefgrobep alfa has shown promising results in preclinical animal testing, leading to weight loss and increased lean tissue.
Unlike current obesity medications that focus on reducing energy intake, taldefgrobep alfa works on the energy expenditure side, encouraging the body to burn more calories. The drug is already in Phase 3 testing for spinal muscular atrophy, and Biohaven plans a Phase 2 trial for obesity in the first half of 2024. Ackerman suggests that the company may use different measures, such as waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio, to assess the quality of weight loss.
While taldefgrobep alfa has shown a known safety profile, the comparison of side effects to GLP-1 inhibitors is not clear. GLP-1 inhibitors are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and potential serious conditions. Taldefgrobep alfa, administered as a once-weekly injection, has exhibited side effects such as injection site reactions, headache, and stomach upset.
Biohaven’s critical question moving forward is whether individuals can maintain weight loss achieved with their drug. The company aims to provide a meaningful change in obesity treatment by addressing the concerns related to the quality of weight loss and potential muscle loss associated with current medications.