The Center for Myokine Convergence Research at Korea University College of Medicine announced on Apr. 10 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with MFC to jointly develop therapeutics targeting muscle loss in astronauts.
This collaboration aims to address the challenge of muscle atrophy experienced by astronauts during space missions. Muscle loss, or sarcopenia, is a significant concern in microgravity environments and can impact long-term human space exploration.
The agreement builds upon a previous contract between the two institutions from 2022, which focused on technical cooperation in rare and difficult-to-treat muscle diseases as well as technology transfer for sarcopenia therapeutics. With this new step, both organizations plan to expand their research into how space conditions affect muscles and work together on next-generation treatments for various muscle disorders.
According to the announcement, the partnership will cover several areas: developing therapeutics specifically for astronaut-associated sarcopenia; researching treatments for other muscle-related conditions such as cachexia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and pursuing joint efforts in pharmaceutical research, development, and commercialization.
Sung-Kwan Hwang, CEO of MFC, said, "This research collaboration represents a significant step forward in the development of next-generation therapeutics for the rapidly evolving space era. We believe this partnership will serve as a key catalyst in reinforcing our mid- to long-term growth drivers and further strengthening our research and development capabilities."
The Center for Myokine Convergence Research was established at Korea University College of Medicine in October 2023. The center focuses on integrated studies of myokines—hormone-like molecules secreted by skeletal muscles—and is committed to developing regulatory technologies that could be applied not only to muscle disorders but also cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.
