Scientists from Augusta University in the US state of Georgia believe that they have made significant progress in producing a muscle-building ‘exercise pill’.
Research was based around the protein myostatin, which has the effect of holding back skeletal muscle growth. Suppressing the production of the protein in mice led to improvements in muscle mass and heart and kidney health. It is hoped that further research will result in a treatment for humans.
Said lead researcher Joshua Butcher, “Ultimately, the goal of our research would be to create a pill that mimics the effect of exercise and protects against obesity.” As studies indicate that obese people produce more myostatin than lean people, meaning it is harder for them to build up muscle through exercise, it could be a lifesaver.