Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) today announced
interim results from the ongoing Phase 2 COURAGE trial
investigating novel combinations of semaglutide
(GLP-1 receptor agonist) and trevogrumab
(anti-GDF8/anti-myostatin) with or without garetosmab (anti-activin
A) for the treatment of obesity. The trial demonstrated that
approximately 35% of semaglutide-induced weight loss was due to
loss of lean mass
, and further demonstrated that
combining semaglutide with trevogrumab with or without garetosmab
helped preserve lean mass while increasing loss of fat mass. The
interim analysis was conducted when 50% of patients reached week 26
in the trial. The combination of semaglutide with trevogrumab was
generally well-tolerated; the triplet combination of semaglutide
with both antibodies had a substantially higher rate of
discontinuations due to tolerability issues and other adverse
events, consistent with the safety profile previously seen with
garetosmab alone.
“Recent advancements have resulted in patients being able to
lose significant amounts of body weight. Unfortunately, this weight
loss comes at the cost of muscle loss, and we know muscle is
important to overall health,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D.,
Ph.D., Board Co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer
at Regeneron. “These early insights from the COURAGE trial are
consistent with recently published pre-clinical data in rodents and
non-human primates, and clearly establish the principle that
blocking GDF8 with or without activin A can preserve muscle and
further increase fat loss in patients being treated with GLP-1
therapy, thereby improving the quality of weight loss. The full
data set will be available later this year and will provide further
insights to help optimize the dosing regimens in future
trials.”
COURAGE was designed to investigate the quality of weight loss
in patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Treatment is divided into
two 26-week periods comprised of a weight-loss phase and a
weight-maintenance phase. The three primary efficacy endpoints were
assessed in this interim analysis when 50% of patients reached week
26 (end of weight-loss phase), and included percent change from
baseline at week 26 in lean mass, fat mass and body weight.
During the weight-loss phase, patients were randomized to
receive semaglutide alone or in combination with two different
doses of trevogrumab (lower- or higher-dose combo), or higher-dose
trevogrumab plus garetosmab (triplet). At this interim analysis,
34.5% of semaglutide-induced weight loss was due to lean mass loss,
while patients in all combination groups preserved more lean mass
with greater fat loss from baseline compared to semaglutide alone.
Detailed results at data cutoff of this interim analysis
include:
|
Semaglutide monotherapy(n=151) |
Lower-dose combo(n=149) |
Higher-dose combo(n=152) |
Triplet(n=147) |
Lean mass |
Change in lean mass (SE), in lbs(% of total weight loss) |
-7.9 (0.64) lbs(-34.5%) |
-3.7 (0.64) lbs***(-17.0%) |
-4.2 (0.66) lbs***(-16.8%) |
-2.0 (0.75) lbs***(-6.6%) |
% preservation of lean mass(compared to semaglutide
monotherapy) |
--- |
50.8% |
51.3% |
80.9% |
Fat mass |
Change in fat mass (SE), in lbs(% of total weight loss) |
-15.3 (0.90) lbs(-66.3%) |
-16.9 (0.90) lbs(-78.1%) |
-18.9 (0.93) lbs*(-76.3%) |
-25.4 (1.06) lbs***(-84.4%) |
% increase in fat loss(compared to semaglutide monotherapy) |
--- |
17.8% |
15.1% |
27.3% |
Body weight |
Change in body weight (SE), in lbs(% change in body weight) |
-23.0 (1.12) lbs(-10.4%) |
-21.6 (1.15) lbs(-9.9%) |
-24.8 (1.15) lbs(-11.3%) |
-30.0 (1.26) lbs***(-13.2%) |
SE=Standard ErrorNOTE: Lean mass and fat mass was calculated
using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, while body
weight was measured using a scale; as a result, the lean and fat
mass numbers may not exactly sum to body weight. Results are based
on MMRM analysis using efficacy estimand that excludes data after
the treatment discontinuation. ***p<0.001; *p<0.05; p-values
are for the primary endpoints of % change from baseline at week 26
in each category, and were not corrected for multiplicity.
After 26 weeks, patients enter into the weight-maintenance phase
in which they receive either higher-dose trevogrumab monotherapy or
placebo through the end of the trial (week 52). Data from this
phase are not yet available.
Available safety data at data cutoff across treatment groups at
26-weeks were as follows:
Participants with at least one: |
Semaglutide monotherapy(n=151) |
Lower-dose combo(n=148) |
Higher-dose combo(n=151) |
Triplet(n=149) |
TEAE |
64.9% |
68.2% |
68.2% |
77.2% |
Severe TEAE |
2.0% |
1.4% |
3.3% |
10.1% |
TE-SAE |
0.7% |
0.7% |
1.3% |
6.7% |
TEAE leading to treatment discontinuation |
4.6% |
4.1% |
10.6% |
28.3% |
Treatment-related TEAE |
47.0% |
48.6% |
56.3% |
63.8% |
NOTE: Two deaths occurred in the triplet group, one due to an
undetermined cause in a patient with multiple cardiovascular risk
factors and the second due to a cardiac arrest in a person
with a history of cardiovascular disease. Regeneron has not
identified a causal association between treatment and these events.
TEAE=Treatment emergent adverse events; SAE=Serious adverse
events
The safety and efficacy of trevogrumab and garetosmab have not
been evaluated by any regulatory authority.
About Regeneron in Obesity Obesity is a
complex, multifaceted disease and a growing public health concern
that affects more than a billion people worldwide. Despite the
revolutionary impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on
weight loss, the quality of this weight loss can be negatively
impacted because these agents can cause profound muscle loss.
Moreover, a high percentage of patients cycle on and off treatment
– while off treatment they can regain almost all of the weight
lost, but mostly in the form of fat, leaving them with negatively
altered body composition.
At Regeneron, we are developing a pipeline focused on the
quality of weight reduction. We have several independent approaches
focused on promoting and preserving muscle during weight loss, so
as to increase the amount of fat loss since adiposity is the
principal driver of comorbidities and metabolic diseases associated
with obesity. In addition, Regeneron has an extensive pipeline of
agents to address some of these co-morbidities and metabolic
diseases, which have the potential to be combined with GLP-1RAs.
The combination of our science, pipeline, research and clinical
innovation uniquely positions us to make a meaningful difference in
obesity and obesity-related diseases.
About Regeneron's VelocImmune® TechnologyRegeneron's VelocImmune technology
utilizes a proprietary genetically engineered mouse platform
endowed with a genetically humanized immune system to produce
optimized fully human antibodies. When Regeneron's co-Founder,
President and Chief Scientific Officer George D.
Yancopoulos was a graduate student with his
mentor Frederick W. Alt in 1985, they were the first
to envision making such a genetically humanized mouse,
and Regeneron has spent decades inventing and
developing VelocImmune and
related VelociSuite® technologies. Dr.
Yancopoulos and his team have
used VelocImmune technology to create a substantial
proportion of all original, FDA-approved fully human monoclonal
antibodies. This includes Dupixent® (dupilumab),
Libtayo® (cemiplimab-rwlc), Praluent® (alirocumab),
Kevzara® (sarilumab), Evkeeza® (evinacumab-dgnb),
Inmazeb® (atoltivimab, maftivimab and odesivimab-ebgn) and
Veopoz® (pozelimab-bbfg). In addition,
REGEN-COV® (casirivimab and imdevimab) had been authorized by
the FDA during the COVID-19 pandemic until 2024.
About RegeneronRegeneron (NASDAQ:
REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops and
commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious
diseases. Founded and led by physician-scientists, our unique
ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into
medicine has led to numerous approved treatments and product
candidates in development, most of which were homegrown in our
laboratories. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help
patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases,
cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurological
diseases, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases, and rare
diseases.
Regeneron pushes the boundaries of scientific discovery
and accelerates drug development using our proprietary
technologies, such as VelociSuite®, which produces optimized fully
human antibodies and new classes of bispecific antibodies. We are
shaping the next frontier of medicine with data-powered insights
from the Regeneron Genetics Center® and pioneering genetic medicine
platforms, enabling us to identify innovative targets and
complementary approaches to potentially treat or cure diseases.
For more information, please
visit www.Regeneron.com or follow Regeneron on LinkedIn,
Instagram, Facebook or X.
Forward-Looking Statements and Use of Digital
Media This press release includes forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future
events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (“Regeneron” or the “Company”), and actual events or results
may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words
such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,”
“seek,” “estimate,” variations of such words, and similar
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statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain
these identifying words. These statements concern, and these risks
and uncertainties include, among others, the nature, timing, and
possible success and therapeutic applications of products marketed
or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators
or licensees (collectively, “Regeneron’s Products”) and product
candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or
licensees (collectively, “Regeneron’s Product Candidates”) and
research and clinical programs now underway or planned, including
without limitation Regeneron’s clinical program investigating novel
combinations of semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) and high- or
low-dose trevogrumab (anti-GDF8 /anti-myostatin) with or without
garetosmab (anti-activin A) for the treatment of obesity as
discussed in this press release; uncertainty of the utilization,
market acceptance, and commercial success of Regeneron’s Products
and Regeneron’s Product Candidates and the impact of studies
(whether conducted by Regeneron or others and whether mandated or
voluntary), including the studies discussed or referenced in this
press release, on any of the foregoing or any potential regulatory
approval of Regeneron’s Products and Regeneron’s Product Candidates
(such as those referenced above); the likelihood, timing, and scope
of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of
Regeneron’s Product Candidates and new indications for Regeneron’s
Products, such as those referenced above for the treatment of
obesity; the ability of Regeneron’s collaborators, licensees,
suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform
manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling,
distribution, and other steps related to Regeneron’s Products and
Regeneron’s Product Candidates; the ability of Regeneron to manage
supply chains for multiple products and product candidates and
risks associated with tariffs and other trade restrictions; safety
issues resulting from the administration of Regeneron’s Products
and Regeneron’s Product Candidates (such as those referenced above)
in patients, including serious complications or side effects in
connection with the use of Regeneron’s Products and Regeneron’s
Product Candidates in clinical trials; the extent to which the
results from the research and development programs conducted by
Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (such as the
interim results from the ongoing Phase 2 COURAGE trial discussed in
this press release) may be replicated and/or lead to advancement of
product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or
regulatory approval; determinations by regulatory and
administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict
Regeneron’s ability to continue to develop or commercialize
Regeneron’s Products and Regeneron’s Product Candidates; ongoing
regulatory obligations and oversight impacting Regeneron’s
Products, research and clinical programs, and business, including
those relating to patient privacy; the availability and extent of
reimbursement or copay assistance for Regeneron’s Products from
third-party payors and other third parties, including private payor
healthcare and insurance programs, health maintenance
organizations, pharmacy benefit management companies, and
government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; coverage and
reimbursement determinations by such payors and other third parties
and new policies and procedures adopted by such payors and other
third parties; changes in laws, regulations, and policies affecting
the healthcare industry; competing drugs and product candidates
that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regeneron’s
Products and Regeneron’s Product Candidates (including biosimilar
versions of Regeneron’s Products); unanticipated expenses; the
costs of developing, producing, and selling products; the ability
of Regeneron to meet any of its financial projections or guidance
and changes to the assumptions underlying those projections or
guidance; the potential for any license, collaboration, or supply
agreement, including Regeneron’s agreements with Sanofi and Bayer
(or their respective affiliated companies, as applicable), to be
cancelled or terminated; the impact of public health outbreaks,
epidemics, or pandemics on Regeneron's business; and risks
associated with litigation and other proceedings and government
investigations relating to the Company and/or its operations
(including the pending civil proceedings initiated or joined by the
U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the
District of Massachusetts), risks associated with intellectual
property of other parties and pending or future litigation relating
thereto (including without limitation the patent litigation and
other related proceedings relating to EYLEA® (aflibercept)
Injection), the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings and
investigations, and the impact any of the foregoing may have on
Regeneron’s business, prospects, operating results, and financial
condition. A more complete description of these and other material
risks can be found in Regeneron’s filings with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2024 and its Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
March 31, 2025. Any forward-looking statements are made based on
management’s current beliefs and judgment, and the reader is
cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by
Regeneron. Regeneron does not undertake any obligation to update
(publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including
without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as
a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Regeneron uses its media and investor relations website and
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Company, including information that may be deemed material to
investors. Financial and other information about Regeneron is
routinely posted and is accessible on Regeneron's media and
investor relations website (https://investor.regeneron.com) and its
LinkedIn page
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/regeneron-pharmaceuticals).
Contacts:Media RelationsMary
HeatherTel: +1 914-847-8650mary.heather@regeneron.com |
Investor
RelationsMatthew FeeneyTel: +1
914-847-1004matthew.feeney@regeneron.com |
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