Ostarine: Phase Ib data

In a double-blind Phase Ib trial in 88 healthy post-menopausal women, 3 mg Ostarine and both 50 and 125 mg doses of MK-3984, an SARM from Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK, Whitehouse Station, N.J.), significantly increased total lean body mass from baseline to week 12 vs. placebo (p<0.001 for all). Specifically, Ostarine and low-dose MK-3984 both led to a 1.54 kg increase in total lean body mass, while high-dose MK-3984 led to a 1.74 kg increase. All 3 treatment groups also increased thigh muscle volume vs. placebo as early as week 4, and persisted through week 12. Additionally, Ostarine increased mean leg muscle strength by 22 pounds from baseline at week 12. Both compounds were well tolerated with the exception of elevated liver enzymes that were >3 times the upper limit of normal in 7 patients treated with MK-3984. Data were presented at the Endocrine Society meeting in San Diego. ...