Frailty in Old-age Can Be Countered with a New Drug

There’s an experimental oral drug that stimulates the release of growth hormone – it’s called MK-677, and it’s been tested in a study of 65 healthy men and women aged 60 to 81. In their later years seniors often become frail, with loss of fat and muscle. The loss of fat may not be so bad, but less muscle means loss of mobility and balance. While the cause of this frailty is not certain, it’s likely that it’s due to reduced levels of growth hormone. And that’s where MK-677 comes in.

The study is reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The participants received MK-677 (25mg) or a matching placebo for one year. After a year those who had been taking the placebo switched to MK-677, and those who were on MK-677 were randomly assigned to continue on MK-677 or to take placebo.

Administration of MK-677 was found to increase growth hormone levels to those of healthy young adults. The body’s sensitivity to insulin decreased, and blood sugar levels increased. Body weight increased, along with fat-free mass (i.e. muscle), and the amount of water inside cells. Fat on the arms and legs increased, but there was no effect on thigh muscle area, muscle strength, or function.

The effects of MK-677 were sustained in those participants who took it for 24 months, and disappeared in those who stopped it after 18 months. The same effects appeared in those who switched from placebo to MK-677 in the second year. The only side effects were a temporary increase in appetite, slight swelling of the lower legs, and muscle pains. LDL-cholesterol went down with MK-677, and there were no changes in total or HDL-cholesterol.

Dr Michael Thorner, the principal investigator in the study, says this study paves the way for a larger study on the long-term effects of MK-677. He adds: “Exercise and Mk-677 might be a really powerful combination.” Just what us old folk need.