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Trevogrumab: Molecular Structure

Chemical properties, amino acid sequence, and structural analysis

Reviewed byDr. Research Team(MD (composite credential representing medical review team), PhD in Pharmacology)
📅Updated February 12, 2026
Verified

📌TL;DR

  • Molecular formula: Complex immunoglobulin
  • Molecular weight: 150000 Da
  • Half-life: Specific half-life not publicly reported. As an IgG4 antibody, the expected half-life is approximately 21 days, consistent with typical IgG4 pharmacokinetics and FcRn-mediated recycling.

Amino Acid Sequence

Full amino acid sequence not publicly disclosed. Trevogrumab is a fully human IgG4-kappa monoclonal antibody consisting of two heavy chains (gamma-4 isotype) and two light chains (kappa type) connected by disulfide bonds.

221 amino acids

Formula

Complex immunoglobulin

Molecular Weight

150000 Da

Half-Life

Specific half-life not publicly reported. As an IgG4 antibody, the expected half-life is approximately 21 days, consistent with typical IgG4 pharmacokinetics and FcRn-mediated recycling.

3D molecular structure of Trevogrumab
Three-dimensional representation of Trevogrumab
Amino acid sequence diagram for Trevogrumab
Color-coded amino acid sequence of Trevogrumab

Molecular Structure#

Trevogrumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody of the IgG4-kappa subclass, with an approximate molecular weight of 150 kDa. Like all IgG antibodies, it consists of:

  • 2 heavy chains: Gamma-4 isotype (~50 kDa each)
  • 2 light chains: Kappa type (~25 kDa each)
  • Disulfide bonds: Inter-chain and intra-chain disulfide bridges maintaining quaternary structure
  • Glycosylation: N-linked glycosylation at Asn297 in the Fc region (typical for IgG antibodies)

IgG4 Subclass Properties#

The choice of IgG4 isotype is significant for trevogrumab's function:

PropertyIgG4 CharacteristicRelevance to Trevogrumab
Effector functionMinimal ADCC and CDCAvoids immune-mediated cell killing
Complement activationVery lowReduces inflammatory side effects
FcRn bindingNormalMaintains long serum half-life
Fab-arm exchangePossible in vivoS228P mutation typically introduced to prevent
Half-life~21 daysSupports Q2W or Q4W dosing intervals

IgG4 is preferred over IgG1 for neutralizing antibodies like trevogrumab because its minimal effector function reduces the risk of unwanted immune activation while still providing high-affinity target engagement.

Target Binding Properties#

Myostatin Selectivity#

Trevogrumab was generated using Regeneron's VelocImmune technology, which produces fully human antibodies from genetically engineered mice. A critical feature of REGN1033 is its selectivity:

LigandBinding by TrevogrumabBinding by ActRIIB-Fc (e.g., ACE-031)
Myostatin (GDF-8)High affinityYes
GDF-11No cross-reactivityYes
Activin ANo bindingYes
BMP-9/10No bindingYes

This selectivity profile distinguishes trevogrumab from receptor-level inhibitors like bimagrumab (anti-ActRII antibody) or ACE-031 (ActRIIB-Fc fusion), which block multiple TGF-beta superfamily ligands.

Myostatin Forms Recognized#

REGN1033 binds all three physiological forms of myostatin:

  1. Mature myostatin dimer: The active signaling form (~25 kDa homodimer)
  2. Latent myostatin complex: Mature myostatin bound to its propeptide, preventing receptor interaction
  3. Myostatin precursor (proform): The unprocessed full-length protein before furin cleavage

This comprehensive binding profile ensures neutralization of myostatin regardless of its processing state.

Pharmacokinetics#

ParameterValueNotes
Molecular weight~150 kDaFull IgG4 antibody
Expected half-life~21 daysConsistent with IgG4 class
AdministrationSubcutaneous injectionSelf-administration possible
AbsorptionSlow, from SC depotTypical for SC antibody dosing
MetabolismLysosomal degradationFcRn-mediated recycling extends half-life
EliminationCatabolism + target-mediatedTarget-mediated disposition at low doses

Comparison with Other Anti-Myostatin Approaches#

MoleculeTypeMWTargetSelectivity
Trevogrumab (REGN1033)Human IgG4 mAb~150 kDaMyostatin directlyHighly selective
Bimagrumab (BYM338)Human IgG1 mAb~145 kDaActRIIA/ActRIIBBroad (multiple ligands)
Apitegromab (SRK-015)Humanized IgG4 mAb~150 kDaLatent myostatinSelective (latent form only)
ACE-031 (ramatercept)ActRIIB-Fc fusion~90 kDaActRIIB ligand trapBroad (discontinued)
Domagrozumab (PF-06252616)Humanized IgG1 mAb~150 kDaMyostatinSelective

Production and Manufacturing#

As a fully human monoclonal antibody, trevogrumab is produced in mammalian cell culture (likely CHO cells) using recombinant DNA technology. The manufacturing process involves:

  • Cell line development and banking
  • Large-scale bioreactor cultivation
  • Protein A chromatography purification
  • Formulation for subcutaneous delivery
  • Sterile fill-finish under GMP conditions

This complex manufacturing distinguishes antibody therapeutics from synthetic peptides, which can be produced by chemical synthesis. Trevogrumab cannot be synthesized by peptide synthesis methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trevogrumab

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