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Super Strength Substance Approaching Human Trials

Posted by kdawson on from the radioactive-spider-bite dept.

kkleiner writes "You may remember Liam Hoekstra, the baby apparently born without the myostatin gene, and consequently sporting 40% more skeletal muscle than his peers. Using gene therapy, NCH scientists have been able to get follistatin (a myostatin blocker) to promote phenomenal muscle growth in macaque monkeys. NCH is now working with the FDA to perform the preliminary steps necessary for a human clinical trial. Is this the prelude to a super-strength gene therapy for all of us?"

3 of 425 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Obvious (?) question by cl0ckt0wer · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It could cure obesity: more muscles increases your resting metabolic rate. Just increase muscle mass to the point where your digestive tract is overwhelmed, and you start burning fat, no matter what you eat. Kind of like the movie "thinner", but this one would be called "muscular". That brings up interesting questions about what happens when your musculo-skeletal system and your nervous system start fighting for calories. The stereotypical big dumb guy? And isn't this gene therapy, where one shot changes your DNA for life? Culturally, this will hit the fitness industry like a bombshell. Billions are spent annually on looking "ripped". Here's the real deal. Pretty soon, you won't get laid without it.

  2. Re:Obvious (?) question by Antique+Geekmeister · · Score: 5, Interesting

    And astronauts: the muscular atrophy they experience at zero gee is quite profound, and is a real risk to extended space station or possible Mars missions.

  3. Re:Obvious (?) question by timeOday · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I'm sure you're right, but I'll bet the main commercial application will be found in super-meaty chickens and cows.