Beloranib (Zafgen) positive in Phase II trial for severe Obesity

Zafgen, Inc., announced final efficacy and safety data from its recently completed 147 patient, Phase II study of beloranib, a selective inhibitor of methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2). These findings, presented for the first time at Obesity Week 2013 on November 15, 2013, demonstrated significant weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic risk markers in 147 obese individuals over 12 weeks of treatment, the largest and longest trial to date for the beloranib program.

Beloranib is the first compound in its class that works by targeting a key enzyme called methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2) that controls the production and utilization of fatty acids. Inhibitors of MetAP2 reduce the production of new fatty acid molecules by the liver and help to convert stored fats into useful energy.

Zafgen is to procced with a Phase IIb study next year that will continue for 6 to 12 months in a group of about 200 patients.