A drug that restores mucle mass in elderly has been found. Scientists claim that with this they have come closer to the fountain of youth
Experts at the University of Virginia Health System said that a daily dose of an investigational medication has been found to restore muscle mass in the arms and legs of older adults and improve some of their biochemistry to levels found in healthy young adults.
The drug is callled MK-677 and was evaluated for its safety and effectiveness in a study that showed the drug restored 20 percent of muscle mass loss associated with normal aging.
Levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor in elderly who took the drug increased to the levels found in healthy young adults, said Michael Thorner, a professor at the University of Virginia Health System.
The study opens the door to the possibility of developing treatments that avert the frailty of aging. The search for anti-frailty medications has become increasingly important average life span is increasing and most seniors want to stay strong enough to remain independent as they age.
