Roche Halts Emugrobart Development for Muscle Disorders

Roche has decided not to advance its anti-myostatin antibody emugrobart to Phase III trials for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The decision follows results from mid-stage studies, including the MANOEUVRE and MANATEE trials, which showed the drug did not consistently improve muscle growth.

Importantly, the discontinuation was not due to safety concerns but rather limited efficacy. This is a setback, particularly for FSHD, a condition with no approved disease-modifying therapies. However, competition in the space continues, with Scholar Rock advancing its own anti-myostatin candidate, apitegromab.

Despite this setback, Roche is continuing to explore emugrobart’s potential in other areas. The company is studying the drug in obesity in combination with Eli Lilly’s weight-loss therapy and is also investigating its role in type 2 diabetes.

These efforts reflect Roche’s broader strategy to repurpose the drug for metabolic conditions.

20-03-2026