KER-065

KER-065 is a recombinant fusion protein developed by Keros Therapeutics as a ligand trap that inhibits the biological effects of myostatin and activin A, two ligands that signal through activin receptors. By blocking these proteins, which regulate muscle growth and fat metabolism, KER-065 aims to increase skeletal muscle regeneration, size, and strength; reduce body fat; decrease fibrosis in skeletal muscle; and improve bone strength. The drug is being investigated for the treatment of obesity as well as neuromuscular diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Preclinical data suggest it can increase muscle mass while reducing fat mass via increased energy expenditure and improved insulin sensitivity. In Phase 1 clinical trials in healthy volunteers, KER-065 demonstrated safety, tolerability, evidence of activin inhibition (as shown by biomarker changes), increases in bone mineral density and muscle mass, and decreases in fat mass[1][2][3][4][5][7].