Super Strength Substance Approaching Human Trials

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?"

Comments

Obligatory comment

[Locke2005]

I for one welcome our new super-strong Macaque Monkey overlords!

Super-strength Macaque monkeys

[noidentity]

scientists have been able to get follistatin (a myostatin blocker) to promote phenomenal muscle growth in macaque monkeys

I, for one, welcome our soon-to-be Macaque monkey overlords with my open puny-muscled arms.

Re:Obvious (?) question

[maxume]

I would guess the researchers are interested in treating people with severely decreased muscle mass (for whatever reason; genetics, disease, bedridden, space travel, etc.).

Potential Problems

[ealott]

I haven't read all 168 comments yet, but... It seems that bone mass and strength would not increase alongside muscle, which might cause one to break bones by lifting too much weight. Also, increase metabolism might cause more free radicals to be produced from electron transport, causing faster aging. Typically, decreasing the metabolism of lab animals leads to a significantly longer lifespan.

muscle causing health issues

[Sprouticus]

Noone seems to realize the other issues this might cause. Tendons and bones are not designed for muscles that are that strong. For instance NFL players alreasy have many issues because of their muscles.

Not to mention spots injuries like broken bones and concussions.