Amgen researchers authored a paper published in the journal Cell that looks at cachexia (more commonly known as muscle wasting or muscle atrophy) and its connection to cancer-related death. It is estimated that 30 percent of all cancer-related deaths can be attributed to cachexia, a life-threatening condition in cancer patients for which therapies are limited.

The study establishes a link between blocking the activin type-2 receptor (ActRIIB) pathway and stopping, and even reversing, the effects of cachexia – muscle loss, cardiac atrophy, and anorexia – in mice with cancer. Dramatically prolonged survival was also noted. Several studies have been done to explore blocking this particular pathway in an effort to encourage muscle development and Amgen’s research published in Cell represents an important new development in an area that currently has few treatment options.

To read the paper click here.

For Cell’s interview and podcast with H.Q.  Han, lead author of the study and scientific executive director of Metabolic Disorders at Amgen, click here.