(NewsNation) โ€” A recent trial suggests apitegromab, when used alongside tirzepatide, may help preserve lean body mass while supporting overall weight loss.

The analysis, published in Nature, found apitegromab โ€” a monoclonal antibody โ€” targets myostatin to help maintain muscle mass when combined with the GLP-1 medication. Apitegromab works by inhibiting the activation of myostatin, a protein that limits skeletal muscle growth, according to Medscape.

โ€œResults from EMBRAZE demonstrate clinical proof of concept for a highly selective anti-myostatin antibody to preserve lean mass with tirzepatide therapy,โ€ the study authors said.

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Researchers studied 102 adults with overweight or obesity over 24 weeks. Participants received tirzepatide combined with either apitegromab or a placebo.

The results showed those receiving apitegromab lost less lean mass compared with participants given a placebo. Researchers said about 85% of total weight loss among the apitegromab group came from fat.

Adverse events were reported in 76% of participants receiving apitegromab and 71% of those receiving a placebo.

The study excluded individuals with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, vascular disorders or active cancer.

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