Using a drug and rehabilitation to treat muscle loss in older adults
Official title: Combining Prostaglandin E2 Modulation and Rehabilitation for Treatment of Volumetric Muscle Loss
Funded at Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-10925078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help older veterans who are losing muscle strength by using a special medication along with exercise to boost muscle growth and recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1I21RX004898-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly veterans, who are experiencing muscle loss or sarcopenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have issues related to muscle loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treat sarcopenia, a condition causing muscle loss in older adults, particularly among veterans. It focuses on enhancing muscle formation by using a small molecule inhibitor that increases the levels of a substance called prostaglandin E2, which is crucial for muscle regeneration. The study combines this drug therapy with rehabilitation exercises to maximize muscle recovery. By targeting the underlying cellular dysfunction that contributes to muscle wasting, the research aims to develop a more effective treatment strategy for older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment for sarcopenia, improving muscle health and quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance muscle regeneration, but this specific combination of drug and rehabilitation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Ngan F. — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Huang, Ngan F.
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.