By Fineline Cube 
Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY) announced that it has discontinued a phase I/II trial of its experimental antibody bimagrumab, which was designed to prevent excessive muscle loss in patients with obesity. The study was closed on 10 June, less than a month after enrollment began, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov registry.
Why the Trial Was Stopped
- Strategic Business Decision – A Lilly spokesperson cited undisclosed strategic reasons for the premature termination.
- Ongoing Research – An active trial of bimagrumab in obese patients without diabetes remains underway, indicating that the company is still exploring the compound’s potential.
Context: Bimagrumab and Zepbound
- Combination Therapy – Both trials were planned to evaluate bimagrumab in combination with Lilly’s blockbuster obesity drug Zepbound (setmelanotide).
- Acquisition of Versanis Bio – In 2023, Lilly committed approximately USD 2 billion to acquire Versanis Bio Inc., the company that developed bimagrumab, securing the antibody for its pipeline.
Market Implications
- Investor Sentiment – The abrupt halt may raise concerns among investors about the viability of Lilly’s obesity portfolio, though the company’s long‑term commitment to the platform remains.
- Competitive Landscape – With other obesity drugs in the pipeline, Lilly’s decision underscores the high stakes of developing treatments that balance weight loss with muscle preservation.-Fineline Info & Tech