Development of Novel Small Molecule Therapies for Skeletal Muscle Atrophy

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Skeletal muscle atrophy is a widespread and serious medical problem. Frequent causes of skeletal muscle atrophy include orthopedic injuries, bed rest, advanced age, cancer, heart failure, COPD, diabetes, stroke, renalfailure, critical illness and spinal cord injury. Effects of skeletal muscle atrophy include weakness, reduced activity, falls, fractures, debilitation, prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation, nursing home placement, and increased mortality. Althoughskeletal muscle atrophy has broad clinical impact, a pharmacologic therapy for muscle atrophy does not exist, and current therapeutic approaches (nutrition and physical rehabilitation) are often ineffective and/or unfeasible. Thus, skeletal muscle atrophyrepresents an enormous unmet medical need and market worldwide. The overall goal of Emmyon, Inc. is to develop a pharmacologic therapy for skeletal muscle atrophy. In preliminary studies, Emmyon's founders at the University of Iowa discovered a confi