Sept 25 (Reuters) – Eli Lilly (LLY.N), has halted a study of an experimental drug, designed to prevent obesity patients from losing too much muscle, due to strategic business reasons, according to a U.S. registry of clinical trials.
The company was testing the drug, bimagrumab, alone or in combination with Lilly’s tirzepatide, the active ingredient in its blockbuster obesity treatment, Zepbound.
Lilly was aiming to see how well and safely bimagrumab, tirzepatide and their combination worked in lowering body weight in participants who were obese or overweight and had type 2 diabetes.
Lilly gained access to bimagrumab with its nearly $2 billion buyout of privately held Versanis. The experimental drug acts directly on fat cells without reducing appetite and without prompting lean mass loss.
Muscle-preserving drugs could generate over $30 billion in sales by 2035, according to TD Cowen analysts.
In late June, Lilly said the drug helped preserve muscle mass, while helping patients on Wegovy to lose weight.
The trial was ended on June 10, less than a month after it was initiated, according to the update on Wednesday.
A parallel study in obese patients without diabetes remains active. Results from this trial will be available in 2026, the company spokesperson said.
Bloomberg News reported the development earlier in the day.