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

Re:consequences

[benjamindees]

I could foresee that a small medical problem involving the digestive tract could turn into a complete crisis if they cannot get the energy they need to fight an infection from their own tissues when they need it most.

This argument demonstrates how the welfare state directly encourages substance abuse. Without a guaranteed constant supply of support, individuals would not have the incentive to risk their long-term health experimenting with unproven drugs. You're just talking about food, but how will you feel about subsidizing the health care of those who choose to risk their well-being in this way?