| The way to big, strong muscles is long and requires | | | | gained funding for the study. There are a number of |
| hard work in a gym. But researchers may have found | | | | studies and clinical trials either underway or planned |
| a shortcut where the muscles grow by themselves. | | | | for treatment of muscle wasting disorders, among |
| Scientists have actually succeeded, by means of | | | | some of the more interesting substances are |
| gene therapy, to increase the lean body mass and | | | | Follistatin as an antagonist to Myostatin, |
| the strength of macaque monkeys. The experiment | | | | Ostarine which is a SARM(Selective Androgen |
| was simple enough, the researchers just injected the | | | | Receptor Modulator) and is currently in Human clinical |
| gene follistatin (FS344) directly into the monkeys | | | | trials by GTx Inc. and also another SARM under the |
| right thigh muscles. | | | | codename BMS-564,929 which is being developed by |
| It has been shown that follistatin can block | | | | Bristol-Myers Squibb. |
| myostatin, a molecule that down-regulates | | | | The potential for these substances to be abused by |
| musclegrowth, but strengthens tendons. Eight weeks | | | | athletes has prompted the World Anti-Doping Agency |
| after the injection the circumference of the monkeys | | | | to have a ban on SARMs since 2008. |
| right thigh muscles, had on average gone up 15 | | | | Sofar only the substance known as "SARMs S4" |
| percent compared with the left thigh. A study done | | | | (Andarine) has made it to the market, and is being |
| on two of the monkeys showed that musclestrength | | | | used by a limited number of pro and amateur |
| in the right leg was increased by respectively 12 and | | | | bodybuilders,it's anabolic effects are said to be |
| 36 per cent compared to the untreated leg! | | | | moderate and it has been reported to have some |
| The Follistatin is injected by means of a viral vector, | | | | temporary side effects, among which decreased |
| that is a Adeno Associated Virus used as a transport | | | | night vision is the more prominent. |
| for the drug that is injected. | | | | The future of drugs developed for muscle wasting |
| It is a common method called Gene Therapy, and has | | | | diseases are sure to be of interest for athletes and |
| been used in humans with other drugs. | | | | others wanting to gain the extra advantage. |
| The study on the monkeys showed no negative side | | | | The next 5-10 years will see a plethora of |
| effects. | | | | substances come out and some might be good |
| This therapy is being developed for use in patients | | | | replacements for Anabolic steroids. |
| with severe muscle dystrophy and other muscle | | | | Theese drugs will be available through the black |
| wasting disorders. | | | | market for pro and amateur athletes alike, with |
| Clinical trials on humans are due to start in 2011 and | | | | unprecedented anabolic effects and close to no |
| Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Ohio has already | | | | negative side effects. |