Amgen publishes new research into cancer-related muscle breakdown

Amgen has published data from a new study which examines potential new ways of preventing the muscle breakdown associated with cancer.

A new study published in the medical journal Cell has identified a new molecule which can potentially block the effects of cachexia, the muscle-wasting condition which causes 30 per cent of all cancer deaths.

By creating a molecular decoy which inhibits the effects of muscle-limiting proteins, it is thought that the therapy can help to prevent muscular degeneration and prolong survival.

HQ Han, lead author of the study and scientific director of metabolic disorders at Amgen, said that animal tests of this therapy have been the first to show the "key role" muscle mass plays in cancer survival.

He added that it may suggest a "major medical benefit in extending life span by combating cachexia".

Last month, Amgen published its financial report for the second quarter, highlighting year-on-year earnings and revenue growth thanks to strong sales of drugs such as Epogen, Neulasta and Neupogen.