New medications under development to combat muscle mass loss

New injectable medications and oral therapies are currently in clinical testing to combat muscle mass loss and sarcopenia. These treatments aim to address muscle wasting caused by obesity, diabetes, cancer, and aging without the side effects associated with anabolic steroids.

One experimental pill, ENV-308 developed by Enveda, is designed to mimic Lac-Phe, a hormone released during intense exercise. It is intended for users of weight-loss injections to prevent muscle loss during weight reduction. In trials with 88 healthy volunteers, the pill was well-tolerated and did not cause the gastrointestinal issues often linked to weight-loss medications.

Other substances under study include monoclonal antibodies such as Apitegromab, Bimagrumab, and Trevogrumab. These drugs work by blocking proteins like myostatin and activin, which act as brakes on muscle growth. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to rule on Apitegromab for spinal muscular atrophy by September 30, with potential market availability as early as late 2024 or 2027. While these drugs may minimize muscle loss when combined with weight-loss treatments, experts emphasize they are not a replacement for physical exercise.