Investigating a new treatment for age-related muscle loss and frailty
Official title: Catestatin and its mimetic pharmacophore TKO-10-18 as potential therapies for age-associated muscle loss and the consequent frailty
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-10940584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new treatments for sarcopenia, which is when older adults lose muscle strength and mass, and it will test a special peptide to see if it can help improve muscle health and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004398-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940584 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are experiencing age-related muscle loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 21 years old or those without signs of muscle loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing potential therapies for sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, which significantly impacts the health and quality of life of older adults. The study will explore the effects of a peptide called catestatin and its mimetic, TKO-10-18, on reversing the muscle deterioration associated with aging. By examining how these compounds influence inflammation, muscle strength, and neuromuscular junction function, the research aims to provide a new avenue for treating this condition. Participants may be involved in trials assessing the safety and effectiveness of these therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for sarcopenia, improving muscle health and quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar studies targeting neuromuscular function and inflammation in aging have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahata, Sushil K — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Mahata, Sushil K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.