Blocking the activin type II receptor to protect muscle during weight loss
Role of Activin Type II Receptor Signaling in Muscle Hypertrophy, Obesity, and Weight Loss
This research looks at whether adding an activin type II receptor blocker can help people using GLP‑1 weight‑loss medicines lose fat while keeping or gaining muscle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238449 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project tests combining activin type II receptor blockade with commonly used GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs to try to preserve or increase skeletal muscle while reducing fat. Researchers will use animal experiments and build on early human data to study body composition, muscle strength, and metabolic measures during combined treatment. The team will measure how the combination affects energy expenditure, fat regain after stopping therapy, and the biological pathways that control muscle and fat. The goal is to find approaches that give higher‑quality weight loss—more fat loss with less muscle loss—to improve long‑term health and function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity who are considering or already taking GLP‑1 based weight‑loss medications and who are concerned about losing muscle during weight loss would be the main candidates.
Not a fit: People without obesity, not using GLP‑1 drugs, or whose muscle problems are caused by unrelated neuromuscular diseases may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could let people on GLP‑1 medications lose mostly fat while preserving or increasing muscle, lowering the risk of weight regain and loss of strength.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of ActRII blockers like bimagrumab have increased muscle mass and reduced fat in humans, but combining ActRII blockade with GLP‑1 therapies is a newer concept with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baur, Joseph a. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Baur, Joseph a.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.