Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and function associated with aging, and leads to a loss of balance and mobility. Sarcopenia increases the likelihood of falls and fractures, leading to hospitalization, loss of independence, and a reduced quality of life. The disease impacts approximately 20% of adults aged 65 years and older, with incidences rising together with our aging worldwide population, and projected to affect over 2 billion people by 2050.  

There are no FDA-approved therapeutics for sarcopenia. Current treatment options include increased exercise, nutrition (including high calorie and protein diet), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Diet and exercise can reduce the rate of muscle loss in more active patients but is not effective for those with limited mobility or who are bedridden. Thus, therapeutic strategies to promote heathy muscle aging are desperately needed.

Together with Vasa Therapeutics, Ferdia Therapeutics is developing long-acting peptides for the treatment of sarcopenia.