Enobosarm (GTx-024, S-22): a potential treatment for cachexia

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Muscle Physiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Muscle wasting (cachexia) is a significant issue in aging and diseases like cancer, leading to increased mortality.
• Current treatments for cachexia are lacking, with many options proving ineffective or causing adverse events.
• Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) represent a novel class of anabolic agents with tissue-selective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce enobosarm (GTx-024) as a potential therapeutic agent for cachexia.
• To review the literature on SARMs and enobosarm for the treatment of muscle wasting.

Main Methods:

• Literature review utilizing search terms 'cachexia', 'sarcopenia', 'SARM', 'enobosarm', and 'GTx-024'.
• Databases and online resources were searched in September 2013.
• Focus on clinical trial data for enobosarm.

Main Results:

• Enobosarm has demonstrated promising results in Phase I, II, and III trials.
• Improvements in lean body mass, physical function, and power have been observed with enobosarm.
• Enobosarm has received Fast Track designation from the US FDA.

Conclusions:

• Enobosarm is a promising new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of cachexia.
• Further results from Phase III trials (POWER1 and POWER2) are anticipated for regulatory approval in non-small-cell lung cancer patients.
• Enobosarm offers a potential solution for muscle wasting associated with various disease states.