Endurance boost in a pill form?

Scientists from the Salk Institute in San Diego have discovered an experimental drug that enhanced endurance levels in mice, which could potentially be used to transform the lives of those incapable of exercising.

The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, examined a drug, GW501516, in a series of tests with mice on treadmills. It was found that mice on the experimental drug could run for 270 minutes before exhaustion set in and mice not on the drug could only run for 160 minutes.

Additionally, the researchers found that the drug changed the activity of nearly 1000 genes, with many of the genes that became more active are those involved in fat burning. However, other genes were suppressed, including some that convert sugar into energy.

It is this ability, burning fat faster yet burning sugar more slowly, that the researchers indicated could enhance endurance as it will delay the drop in sugar levels that is responsible for the felling of ‘hitting the wall’.

“In endurance sport competitions, such as cycling, marathon runs, race walking and cross-country skiing, ‘hitting the wall’ is a dramatic demonstration of sudden and complete exhaustion,” the study scientists wrote. “However, the drug, which achieves its effects through muscle proteins called PPARD, is sufficient to dramatically improve endurance capacity.”

Lead researcher, Ronald Evans, questioned: “If we really understand the science, can we replace training with a drug?”

“Exercise activates PPARD, but we’re showing that you can do the same thing without mechanical training,” added Weiwei Fan, the paper’s first author. “It means you can improve endurance to the equivalent level as someone in training, without all of the physical effort.”

The compound was originally developed in the 90s by GlaxoSmithKline and Ligand pharmaceuticals for the treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. However, after a number of studies linked high doses as a potential cause of cancer the commercial prospects were abandoned. Scientists have continued to research the drug despite it being dropped commercially.

There are hopes that this new research may lead the way for the development of an ‘exercise pill’ that could provide people who are unable to exercise, for medical reasons, some of the benefits of exercise. However, this is still a long way off with many studies on the long-term use and regulatory approval needed before a pill fit for human consumption will be seen.