Beloranib

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Beloranib is a former obesity drug candidate discovered by CKD Pharmaceuticals and developed by Zafgen. It is similar to fumagillin and works by blocking an enzyme called METAP2, which is involved in fat metabolism and blood vessel formation.

Early studies suggested it could help with weight loss. In Phase I (2013), some obese women lost more weight at a certain dose than those given a placebo. A Phase II trial also showed meaningful weight loss and better cardiometabolic health in the treated group.

Zafgen moved beloranib into Phase III trials for Prader–Willi syndrome, a genetic form of obesity. In December 2015, after a second patient death, the Phase III trial was halted to determine if the deaths were related to the treatment. With the FDA indicating that approval would be unlikely, beloranib development was stopped in 2016.