Major Setback for BioAge

What Happened

BioAge Labs had been conducting trials to test azelaprag, a drug designed to mimic the peptide apelin, in combination with tirzepatide, Eli Lilly’s weight-loss medication, to address obesity. Apelin is naturally excreted in response to physical exercise, and preclinical data from BioAge suggested that combining azelaprag with incretin drugs like tirzepatide could enhance their effects. This approach aimed to help patients lose weight while preserving muscle mass.

However, during the trial, some participants exhibited signs of transaminitis - elevated liver enzymes that indicate potential liver stress. Although no clinically significant symptoms were observed, the findings raised safety concerns, prompting BioAge to halt the trial as a precautionary measure.

The trial’s discontinuation triggered a sharp reaction from investors, with BioAge’s stock plummeting from around $20 to $4.80. The steep decline reflected growing doubts about the drug’s future and the company’s ability to recover from the setback.

BioAge’s Next Steps

The company will evaluate the full dataset collected from all participants enrolled before the trial’s discontinuation and will determine new plans for developing azeloprag in Q1 2025.

In parallel, they will continue advancing its earlier platform-derived programs, including preparations for an IND submission for a CNS-penetrant NLRP3 inhibitor (a drug targeting neuroinfammation). It is anticipated to enter clinical development in the second half of 2025 and is promising in addressing neurodegenerative and age-related conditions.

Potential Opportunities

Analysts have set a 12-month price target of $18, indicating a significant potential increase from the current stock price of $4.80. This reflects confidence in BioAge’s ability to recover through its earlier programs.

While some analysts have provided a more cautious outlook, suggesting the stock may rise only to $7, although this is the view of a smaller number of them.

BioAge’s ability to generate positive outcomes despite recent setbacks creates potential for future stock growth. For investors with a higher risk tolerance, this dip in price might present a strategic opportunity to enter at a low valuation.

However, investing at this stage comes with risks. A failure of BioAge’s current programs or an unfavorable outcome from the Q1 2025 review of azelaprag’s data could delay recovery or even reduce the price of the stock further.

The setbacks faced by BioAge Labs highlight the inherent challenges of advancing innovation in biotech. As we approach Q1 2025, all eyes will be on BioAge’s updates regarding azelaprag and the progress of its pipeline. Stay tuned as we continue to cover the latest developments in longevity science, biotech innovation, and the companies driving the future of health.