It was discovered by CKD Pharmaceuticals and its clinical development was led by Zafgen.

[2] Beloranib, an analog of the natural chemical compound fumagillin, is an inhibitor of the enzyme METAP2.

[4] However, once the potential anti-obesity effects of METAP2 inhibition became apparent, the clinical development began to focus on these effects and beloranib has shown positive results in preliminary clinical trials for this indication.

[5] A Phase I trial was published in 2013,[6] finding a dose that led to weight loss in obese women in comparison to placebo.

[9] After discussions with the Food and Drug Administration indicated that the obstacles to gaining approval were insurmountable, product development for beloranib was ended.