Research Team Led by Seoul National University Professor Park Jung-hoon Discovers Solutions to Improve Sarcopenia

Laying the Foundation for New Drug Development for Sarcopenia

Professor Park Jung-hoon and his research team at Seoul National University's Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology have laid the foundation for developing new drugs to prevent and treat muscle loss caused by sarcopenia.

Seoul National University Administration Building in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Seoul National University announced on the 8th the research results titled 'Promotion of oxidative muscle fiber formation and improvement of muscle function through Prokr1 activation by Celecoxib.'

Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by a decrease in muscle mass and strength due to an imbalance in muscle protein metabolism, which tends to occur more frequently with aging. Existing treatments have faced clinical failures and side effects, creating a need for new drug development.

The research team found a way to improve muscle mass and strength by activating the protein receptor (PROKR1) responsible for functions such as fat differentiation and glucose uptake in muscles. Through this, they also developed an anti-inflammatory analgesic that protects muscle mass.

This achievement was published online on the 30th of last month in the 'Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle,' a globally renowned journal in the field of muscle research.

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