Could Hong Kong scientists fight age-related muscle loss with help of HIV drug?

Hong Kong scientists have identified an HIV drug that could be used to treat a common condition behind age-related muscle loss, with researchers hoping to start clinical trials next year.

Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) said on Wednesday that they had tested the HIV drug, known as Maraviroc, on 18-month-old mice suffering from sarcopenia, a progressive age-related condition that causes loss of muscle mass and strength.

The study found that mice saw significant improvements in their muscle mass, grip strength and running endurance after receiving high doses of the drug for three months.

Dr Michael Ong Tim-yun, a clinical assistant professor at CUHK’s orthopaedics and traumatology department, said one in seven people aged 65 and above in Hong Kong suffered from sarcopenia, with the amount rising to 50 per cent of residents over the age of 80.

“This figure might be an underestimation as many patients who actually have symptoms of sarcopenia are not aware of it,” Ong said.

Ong, who is part of the research team, explained that sarcopenia could be diagnosed by measuring a person’s muscle mass, handgrip strength and walking speed.

The only treatments currently available are exercise and protein supplementation, with no drugs used to treat the condition at this point.