New collaboration targets muscle loss treatments for space missions

The Center for Myokine Convergence Research at Korea University College of Medicine (Director: Professor Hyeon Soo Kim, Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MFC to jointly develop therapeutics for muscle loss in astronauts.

This agreement represents a follow-up collaboration based on the 2022 contract between the two institutions for "technical cooperation in rare and intractable muscle atrophy diseases and technology transfer for sarcopenia therapeutics." Building on accumulated research and development data, the two organizations plan to expand their research scope into the space environment and accelerate the development of next-generation therapeutics for muscle disorders.

Under this agreement, both parties will collaborate in the following areas: the research and development of therapeutics for astronaut-associated sarcopenia; the development of treatments for a broad range of muscle disorders, including rare conditions such as sarcopenia, cachexia, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and joint efforts in pharmaceutical research, development, and commercialization.

Through our strategic collaboration with MFC, we look forward to advancing the development of therapeutics to preserve muscle health in astronauts-an essential requirement for long-duration deep space missions, including exploration of Mars. By leveraging our integrated, clinically translatable myokine research platform, we are committed to delivering innovative therapeutic solutions for patients affected by sarcopenia and a wide range of muscle disorders."

Professor Hyeon Soo Kim, Director of the Myokine Research Center 

Sung-Kwan Hwang, CEO of MFC, commented, "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."

Meanwhile, the Center for Myokine Convergence Research at Korea University College of Medicine, established in October 2023, is leading integrated research on myokines-novel hormone-like signaling molecules secreted by skeletal muscle. The center is committed to developing clinically translatable regulatory technologies targeting not only muscle disorders but also cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.