A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia Health System revealed that intake of an investigational drug, MK-677, on a daily basis increased muscle mass in the arms and legs of healthy older adults.

The study discovered that MK-677 increases the levels of growth hormone (GH) and of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in aged, to the levels found in healthy youngsters.

Michael O. Thorner, professor of internal medicine and neurosurgery at University of Virginia (UVA), explained, “Our study opens the door to the possibility of developing treatments that avert the frailty of ageing.”

“The search for anti-frailty medications has become increasingly important because the average American is expected to live into his or her 80s, and most seniors want to stay strong enough to remain independent as they age,” Prof. Thorner added.

The two-year study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, involved 65 men and women aged between 60 to 81.

As a part of the study, half the volunteers were administered an oral dose of MK-677, while half were given a placebo for a period of one year.

At the end of a year in a reversal of roles the participants on placebo were given MK-677, and those on the drug given the placebo randomly.

The study results disclosed that MK-677 stimulates appetite and hormone growth, restoring 20 percent 20% of muscle mass loss linked with ageing.

The so called ‘anti-frailty’ drug could also prove positive to fight metabolic disorders such as those related to body weight and body composition.

The study researchers said that MK-677 was effectual for those who received it for full two years, but the benefits wore off once the medicine was stopped.

The findings of the study were published in Tuesday’s issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.