Latest news with #musclewasting
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Penrith family's Givinostat fight 'almost over'
A family say it is outrageous they have had to fight for access to a free drug that slows the progression of a muscle-wasting was conditionally approved in December to help slow the progression of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), but was only available in Leicestershire and Swansea due to local NHS budget Newcastle Hospitals Trust, which treats DMD patients across the North East and Cumbria, said it was "finalising arrangements" to make it available for those who meet strict eligibility family of 10-year-old Macaulay from Penrith, Cumbria, welcomed the news but have spent months of campaigning for access. Usually affecting boys in early childhood, DMD is one of the most common and severe forms of muscular dystrophy, which gradually causes the muscles to weaken, leading to an increasing level of drug was initially offered for free under an early access programme, while it awaited full NHS health bosses had to fund the staffing for treating patients, blood tests and collecting mum Rebecca has been campaigning, getting political support and writing to Newcastle Hospitals Trust to get access in the region. Rebecca said the drug would give her son a "longer, more independent life".Macaulay, who loves sports, said he has had to cut back as the genetic disease progresses."I don't think I can run as fast as I used to because I'm on steroids," he dad Ben said the continued wait was frustrating."It's confidence, it's the ability to keep up with his peers for as long as possible, the ability to walk for him is really important," he said. In a statement, the trust said: "We are pleased to confirm that we will be able to make Givinostat available through an early access programme to eligible patients in our clinics very soon."Its clinical team would discuss the drug with patients who are potentially eligible at their next review appointments, the trust Rebecca criticised the lack of timeline commitment, adding: "Yes, 'It will come soon', but what does soon mean?"Co-founder of charity Duchenne UK, Emily Reuben, said it was "time critical" as the drug was "only available for boys who can walk"."Some boys who were eligible for this drug six months ago are no longer eligible, because they've stopped walking," she said. Follow BBC North East on X and Facebook and BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram.
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
NorthStrive Biosciences Announces Completion of Phase I Strategic Review for EL-22 Targeting Muscle Loss Associated with GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs and Age-Related Sarcopenia
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northstrive Biosciences Inc. ('Northstrive'), a subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ELAB) (the 'Company,' 'PMGC,' 'we,' or 'our'), today announced the completion of a Phase I strategic research and literature synthesis for EL-22 (formerly BLS-M22), its first-in-class oral myostatin-engineered probiotic. The analysis, conducted in collaboration with Yuva Biosciences and supported by AI-based scientific review technology from Yuva Biosciences' MitoNova™, provided valuable insights into EL-22's proposed mechanism of action and will help guide further exploration into its potential to address critical unmet needs in muscle-wasting conditions, including GLP-1-associated atrophy and age-related sarcopenia. EL-22 is leveraging a myostatin-engineered probiotic approach to address obesity's pressing issue of preserving muscle while on weight loss treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. The oral biologic is designed to induce a targeted immune response against myostatin, a key negative regulator of muscle growth. Unlike traditional injectable antibodies, EL-22 leverages genetically engineered Lactobacillus casei to stimulate the gut immune system, offering a convenient, patient-friendly oral delivery method with potential safety and efficacy advantages. Key Highlights from the Report: About Northstrive Biosciences Inc. Northstrive Biosciences Inc., a PMGC Holdings Inc. company, is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development and acquisition of cutting-edge aesthetic medicines. Northstrive's lead asset, EL-22, leverages an engineered probiotic approach to address obesity's pressing issue of preserving muscle while on weight loss treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. For more information, please visit About Yuva Biosciences, Inc. Yuva Biosciences is a longevity company harnessing the cutting edge of mitochondrial science to address the root cause of aging. By partnering with consumer brands and biotech innovators, Yuva Biosciences develops solutions for aging-related concerns including hair loss, skin wrinkles, and several other conditions driven by a decline in mitochondrial function. The company is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information, please visit About PMGC Holdings Inc. PMGC Holdings Inc. is a diversified holding company that manages and grows its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, investments, and development across various industries. Currently, our portfolio consists of three wholly owned subsidiaries: Northstrive Biosciences Inc., PMGC Research Inc., and PMGC Capital LLC. We are committed to exploring opportunities in multiple sectors to maximize growth and value. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words such as 'believes,' 'expects,' 'plans,' 'potential,' 'would' and 'future' or similar expressions such as 'look forward' are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, activities of regulators and future regulations and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described more fully in PMGC's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), including the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025, and its other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's web site at All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. IR Contact: [email protected]
