Regeneron Trial Results Show Muscle Mass Preservation

The COURAGE trial found that the drug trevogrumab helped prevent significant muscle loss during GLP-1 weight loss treatment.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Weight Loss

A close-up view of a professional body composition scanner on a clean clinical examination table in a sterile medical office setting. — Regeneron Pharmaceuticals reported that its drug trevogrumab significantly preserved muscle mass during weight loss treatment in the phase 2 COURAGE trial. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has released Phase 2 results showing that its drug trevogrumab successfully preserved lean mass in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists. The COURAGE trial found that the drug prevented 70% of muscle loss typically associated with rapid weight reduction in individuals with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater.

Why it matters

While GLP-1 receptor agonists are highly effective for weight loss, they are known to trigger muscle wasting alongside fat loss. Preserving muscle mass is critical for maintaining metabolic health and physical function throughout a weight reduction program.

In a 52-week trial for patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater, trevogrumab successfully preserved lean mass. The lower-dose treatment group experienced a 77% adverse event rate, compared to 82% in the placebo cohort.

The players

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

This biotechnology company focuses on the discovery and development of medicines for serious diseases.

The details

Trevogrumab functions by blocking myostatin, a protein that regulates muscle growth, to prevent atrophy during the calorie-restricted weight loss process. The trial involved a combination of the drug and semaglutide 2.4 mg for 26 weeks, followed by a maintenance phase to evaluate long-term muscle preservation.

October 01, 2026: Regeneron announced the Phase 2 trial results.
26 weeks: The duration of the trevogrumab and semaglutide combination treatment.
52 weeks: The full duration of the COURAGE clinical trial.

Health Landscape

This study follows a pattern set by other major metabolic drug disclosures presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting. It marks a significant milestone in evolving GLP-1 treatment protocols by prioritizing lean tissue retention.

If successful in future trials, this drug could eventually offer patients a way to maintain strength and muscle health while taking weight loss medication. Patients currently utilizing GLP-1 therapies should consult their physician regarding side effects like nausea or vomiting.

The takeaway

Maintaining muscle mass is essential for patients undergoing significant weight reduction to ensure sustained metabolic health. Patients should discuss the potential for muscle loss with their healthcare providers when considering GLP-1 agonist treatments.

What happens next

Regeneron plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial evaluating trevogrumab in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonist-based therapies specifically for older adults.