Roche has decided to discontinue the clinical development of its myostatin-targeting antibody, emugrobart, for two rare genetic muscle disorders: spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The company informed patient communities that, after reviewing trial data, the drug did not meet expectations for sustained muscle growth and functional improvement and would not advance to Phase III studies. Data from the trials are expected to be presented at upcoming medical conferences.

A Roche spokesperson confirmed that the obesity program for emugrobart remains active and is currently in Phase II development. The antibody is being evaluated in combination with Eli Lilly's tirzepatide to assess its potential to preserve muscle mass during weight loss induced by GLP-1 therapy. The setback in rare muscle diseases may signal challenges for the drug's mechanism in promoting muscle growth, a key focus in the competitive next-generation obesity drug landscape where preserving lean mass is a major goal.

PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database shows that emugrobart is also under development for muscle atrophy. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.