Beloranib

Indicated For

Prader-Willi syndrome, severe obesity

About This Medication

# Zafgen Patient Assistance Program Guide: How to Get Beloranib at Low or No Cost **Important Notice: Beloranib is not currently available through any patient assistance program.** Development of beloranib was discontinued by Zafgen in 2016 due to safety concerns, including patient deaths in clinical trials, and significant regulatory hurdles with the FDA. As a result, there is no approved or marketed version of the drug, and no active prescription assistance program exists from Zafgen or any other entity.[1][2][3][5][6] ## About Beloranib Beloranib was an investigational drug developed by Zafgen as a twice-weekly subcutaneous injection. It targeted obesity, particularly in rare conditions like **Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)**, a genetic disorder causing hyperphagia (uncontrollable hunger), severe obesity, and related health issues. Beloranib worked as a MetAP2 inhibitor, believed to reduce hunger and restore fat metabolism balance, helping the body use calories more effectively.[4][5][7] Early trials showed promise: a Phase 3 study in PWS met co-primary endpoints for weight loss and improved hyperphagia behaviors at doses of 1.8 mg and 2.4 mg over six months.[7] A smaller Phase 2 trial also indicated short-term benefits in 17 PWS patients over 8 weeks.[4] However, development halted after serious adverse events, including two patient deaths from pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), leading to an FDA clinical hold.[1][3][5] Zafgen shifted focus to ZGN-1061, a similar but safer MetAP2 inhibitor with reduced thrombosis risk, entering Phase 1 trials in 2016-2017.[2][5][6] As of 2026, beloranib remains unapproved and unavailable. ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? Since beloranib is not approved or distributed, **no one qualifies** for a patient assistance program (PAP). Zafgen's program details—such as income thresholds, application methods, or required documents—are not available because the drug was abandoned nearly a decade ago.[2][3] In general, PAPs from other manufacturers help uninsured or underinsured patients who meet **income eligibility** (often 400-500% of the federal poverty level), have limited insurance coverage, and are U.S. residents. But without a beloranib PAP, these criteria do not apply. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown No income thresholds exist for beloranib assistance. For illustration, here's a hypothetical table based on typical PAP structures (e.g., for other obesity or rare disease drugs). Actual programs vary; always check manufacturer sites. | Household Size | Annual Income Limit (400% FPL, 2026 est.) | Notes | |---------------|-------------------------------------------|-------| | 1 | $60,000 | Up to 500% FPL in some programs | | 2 | $81,000 | Excludes certain assets | | 3 | $102,000 | Medicare patients often ineligible | | 4 | $123,000 | Children may have higher limits | | +1 each | +$21,000 | Verify with NeedyMeds or RxAssist | **Disclaimer:** This is not beloranib-specific; no such program operates.[1][2] ## Insurance Requirements Irrelevant for beloranib, as it's unavailable. Typically, PAPs require proof of: - No prescription coverage or high copays. - Medicare Part D enrollment (but many PAPs exclude Medicare). - Commercial insurance denial letter. ## Step-by-Step Application Process **There is no application process.** Zafgen suspended beloranib development, so no PAP exists.[2][3][6] If a similar drug like ZGN-1061 had a program: 1. Visit the manufacturer's PAP website or call. 2. Download/print application. 3. Gather documents (ID, income proof, insurance info). 4. Have doctor complete sections. 5. Submit via mail/fax/online. 6. Await approval (2-6 weeks typically). ## Timeline and Delivery No processing time or delivery, as no program runs. Hypothetical timelines for active PAPs: - Application review: 2-4 weeks. - Approval/denial notice: 4-8 weeks. - Medication shipment: 1-2 weeks post-approval, often to doctor's office or home. ## Alternatives if Denied (or Unavailable) Since beloranib isn't an option: - **Consult your doctor** for FDA-approved PWS/obesity treatments, like human growth hormone (HGH) for growth issues in PWS.[5] - Generic or biosimilar options: None for beloranib (investigational only). - Other PAPs: Check PAN Foundation, HealthWell Foundation, or NeedyMeds for obesity/rare disease support. - Clinical trials: Search ClinicalTrials.gov for PWS or obesity studies (e.g., successors to ZGN-1061). - Lifestyle/therapy: Behavioral interventions, dietitians, or GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide) if appropriate. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Beloranib development ended in 2016 due to safety risks and FDA issues; no PAP exists.[1][2][3][5] Always consult healthcare providers for personalized options. Information based on historical data up to 2026; drug status may evolve. Zafgen (now possibly rebranded) holds rights but has no active beloranib program. Word count: 912.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026