Scottish Government puts £125k behind hunt for answer to key weight loss drug issue
A Rowett Institute research team developing a muscle-targeted therapy to preserve lean mass and metabolic health during weight loss has won a share of a £2.85m Scottish Government funding pot.
The Proof of Concept Fund is awarded to "innovative and unique university-led projects with commercial potential" to de-risk the process and help attract early-stage investment.
Principal Investigator Dr Brendan Gabriel said the significant increase in the use of weight-loss drugs had increased the urgency behind work in the field.
He said: "Muscle is a key tissue for healthy ageing, helping to prevent frailty and support metabolic health. However, many people experience loss of muscle during ageing. This may be particularly important in people taking weight loss medications because approximately 25-40% of weight loss comes from lean mass in people taking these therapies."
"We are developing a new therapeutic approach may help support muscle function during weight loss and ageing. We’re delighted to have received funding from the Scottish Funding Council to take this work further."