Monoclonal Antibody Ponsegromab Shown to Reduce Effects of Cancer-Related Wasting Syndrome
January 14, 2025 · Baton Rouge, LA
Pennington Biomedical one of 70 host sites across the globe for study appearing in New England Journal of Medicine
Cachexia, also known as wasting syndrome, commonly occurs in patients with certain cancers, leading to dangerous weight loss and functional impairment. Medicinal treatments for this condition are rare, but a recent study demonstrated that the antibody ponsegromab is both safe and effective in treating muscle wasting and weight loss in cancer patients. Pennington Biomedical Research Center was one of more than 70 facilities globally to host the study testing the efficacy of this antibody.
A stress-induced cytokine - substances produced by cells in the immune system – called growth differential factor 15, or GDF-15, has been identified as a contributing factor for cachexia. The “Ponsegromab for the Treatment of Cancer Cachexia” study demonstrated that the antibody ponsegromab binds to GDF-15. The study showed that patients with cancer, cachexia and an elevated level of GDF-15 had improved outcomes and few adverse effects when taking ponsegromab.
“Cachexia is the added layer on a cancer diagnosis that contributes to weakness and muscle loss, which can inhibit patients from pursuing the treatments they need,” said Dr. Steven Heymsfield, a professor at Pennington Biomedical and lead Pennington Biomedical researcher on the ponsegromab study. “Identifying the potential of ponsegromab drove this study, and the data points to clear results – that this antibody can support a reduction in muscle wasting. Pennington Biomedical was just one of many research facilities undertaking this study, but it aligns clearly with our mission to improve health outcomes for all.”
The study required participants to have a cancer diagnosis and demonstrate conditions consistent with cachexia. The most prevalent cancers of the trial participants were non-small-cell lung cancer, followed by pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer. The 187 study participants were assigned to one of four groups to receive ponsegromab in doses of 100 mg, 200 mg or 400 mg, or a placebo. Doses of ponsegromab or the placebo were administered every four weeks for twelve weeks. Weight measurements were taken at the start of the study and then again at twelve weeks.
At 12 weeks, patients in the groups receiving ponsegromab demonstrated greater weight gain than those in the placebo group. Those participants in the group receiving 400 mg of ponsegromab also demonstrated improvements in other areas of study, including reduced anorexia.
“Our commitment to identify the triggers of chronic diseases, including cancer, is demonstrated through our participation in global studies, such as this one,” said Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. “I thank Dr. Heymsfield and his team for their contributions to this study and celebrate the clarity resulting from it. We now understand the benefits of ponsegromab and encourage additional studies to ensure its effectiveness for those living with cancer and cachexia.”
For more information contact:
Joe Coussan, Media Relations Manager, joe.coussan@pbrc.edu, 225-763-3049 or Ernie Ballard, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing, ernie.ballard@pbrc.edu, 225-263-2677.
About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center
The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Pennington Biomedical has the vision to lead the world in promoting metabolic health and eliminating metabolic disease through scientific discoveries that create solutions from cells to society. The center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus in the LSU System.
The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 530 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a globally recognized state-of-the-art research institution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.
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