Salbutamol asthma drug improves strength in children with muscle disease

A study has found that salbutamol, a common medication used to treat asthma, can improve motor skills and muscle strength in children suffering from congenital myopathies. These rare, inherited muscle diseases currently have no known cure or pharmacological treatment, with medical care focusing primarily on symptom management.

The study involved 18 participants aged 6 to 16 with genetically confirmed congenital myopathy. Over a 24-week period, researchers compared the effects of salbutamol alongside standard care against standard care alone. When administered orally, salbutamol can affect skeletal muscle and potentially stimulate muscle protein synthesis.

Results indicated that children receiving the medication showed superior motor function, with an average improvement of 3.61 points on the MFM-32 standardized motor function rating scale. Participants demonstrated an increased ability to walk, stand up more quickly, and maintain higher energy levels throughout the day.