BioAge halts azelaprag Phase 2 STRIDES study after liver transaminase elevations

BioAge Labs

BioAge discontinued STRIDES, its Phase 2 trial of azelaprag—an APJ agonist being combined with tirzepatide for obesity—after unexpected liver transaminase elevations without clinically significant symptoms in some patients. The finding was surprising because preclinical studies and earlier Phase 1 trials by Amgen and BioAge had not predicted liver toxicity risk.

• Azelaprag is APJ agonist combined with tirzepatide for obesity; halted due to unexpected liver transaminitis.
• Earlier preclinical toxicology and Phase 1 trials showed no predicted risk; liver inflammation was unanticipated.
• BioAge continues developing structurally different APJ agonists while discontinuing azelaprag specifically.