Exercise remains irreplaceable for maintaining health, but what if there existed a pill that could mimic its benefits? Scientists have made strides in this direction with the development of a pill that could unlock the advantages typically associated with exercise. Recent research has identified new compounds that hold the potential to replicate the physiological benefits of exercise within the cells of rodents.
This breakthrough offers promising prospects for individuals grappling with muscle atrophy and a spectrum of medical conditions, spanning from heart failure to neurodegenerative diseases. However, it’s imperative to note that experiments have thus far been conducted solely on mice, with human trials pending.
Presenting their groundbreaking findings at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring Meeting 2024, researchers shed light on the potential of these compounds to emulate the physical benefits typically derived from engaging in physical activity. Bahaa Elgendy, the principal investigator leading the project and a professor of anaesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, underscored, “We cannot supplant exercise; its importance is undeniable on all fronts. If one is capable of physical activity, they should engage in it. Nonetheless, there are numerous scenarios where a substitute becomes imperative.”
Among the compounds under scrutiny, SLU-PP-332 has emerged as a frontrunner after nearly a decade of intensive research. It targets specialized proteins, particularly estrogen-related receptors (ERRs), notably ERRÎñ, pivotal in regulating muscle metabolism and adapting to exercise-induced stress. Experiments conducted on mice showcased that SLU-PP-332 bolstered the endurance of muscle fibers and enhanced overall physical performance.
In a bid to amplify the efficacy of these compounds, researchers have engineered novel molecules designed to bolster interactions with ERRs, surpassing the potency of SLU-PP-332. Encouragingly, these newly devised compounds have demonstrated promising outcomes, exhibiting a heightened ability to replicate the effects of exercise in rat heart muscle cells.
The research suggests that targeting ERRs could hold therapeutic promise for an array of ailments, encompassing obesity, heart failure, and the age-related decline in kidney function. Moreover, ERR activity appears to counteract detrimental processes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
While SLU-PP-332 may not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, certain newly formulated compounds have been engineered with this capability in mind, offering potential avenues for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Elgendy and his team are now delving into further testing of these novel compounds in animal models through Pelagos Pharmaceuticals, a startup they have co-founded. Concurrently, they are exploring the prospect of harnessing these compounds into viable treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.