Columbia Technology Ventures

Endocrine treatment for sarcopenia

This technology identifies both a bone-derived and a non-bone-derived hormone that restores muscle function and muscle mass in sarcopenia.

Unmet Need: Therapeutic that reverses muscle dysfunction in sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is the most significant cause of disability and frailty in the elderly. Current treatment options are focused on symptom management rather than treating the biology underlying the loss of muscle mass and strength. There remains a need for the development of therapeutics that efficaciously prevent or treat sarcopenia in at-risk individuals.

The Technology: Hormones that ameliorate muscle dysfunction in sarcopenia

This technology describes a function of osteocalcin, a bone-derived hormone with pleiotropic effects, as well as non-osteocalcin-based agents in reversing muscle dysfunction in sarcopenia. In mouse models of sarcopenia, administration of osteocalcin both prevents and ameliorates loss of muscle function and muscle mass. As such, this technology identifies a potential therapeutic strategy for treating sarcopenia and age-related physical frailty.

Applications:

  • Prevention of sarcopenia
  • Management of sarcopenia
  • Treatment for sarcopenia

Advantages:

  • Increases muscle function in mouse models of sarcopenia
  • Potential for both prophylactic and treatment indications
  • Utilizes a well-characterized hormone
  • Includes both osteocalcin-based and non-osteocalcin-based agents

Lead Inventor:

Gerard Karsenty, M.D., Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (US20220106376)

Patent Pending (US20220106372)

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: