Two new classes of experimental drugs shown to have powerful muscle-building capabilities–selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) and myostatin inhibitors–have been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency ‘s (WADA) list of prohibited substances for 2008. But the agency, an international, independent organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, that coordinates anti-doping regulations across sports, is gearing up for future abuse by limiting use among athletes and by developing new detection methods. Unlike with testosterone and other anabolic steroids, the action of SARMs and myostatin inhibitors is restricted to muscle, likely limiting side effects. There have been no official reports of athletes using these drugs, but because there previously have been cases of athletes gaining access to compounds in clinical development, WADA officials say that they want to act early. This could also be as a result of the genes blocking the effect of other compounds which otherwise limit these abilities in “normal” populations, such as the genes, naturally occurring, which block myostatin in “freak” animals and humans. Because extraordinary athletes generally enjoy long and healthy lives so using science to mimic these genetic effects in lesser mortals will also not harm the body – it has been tried and tested by evolution. read more
[Tags]myostatin, drugs, athletes, genes, inhibitors, agency, weight loss news[/Tags]
