As muscle mass declines, an individual's ability to walk and perform daily activities deteriorates, the risk of falls increases, and maintaining an independent lifestyle becomes increasingly difficult. Despite the significant impact of this condition, there are currently no therapies capable of fundamentally reversing the underlying causes of muscle loss.

The body continuously maintains muscle homeostasis through a dynamic balance between muscle protein synthesis and muscle breakdown. However, when aging or disease causes the rate of muscle degradation to exceed the rate of muscle formation, total muscle mass can decline rapidly. This process is regulated by a complex network of biological signaling pathways operating throughout the body. Our research focuses on restoring this critical balance. Rather than relying solely on exercise or nutritional interventions, we aim to modulate the underlying signaling mechanisms that govern muscle maintenance and regeneration.

Moduda Open Innovation Co., Ltd. is investigating the potential of probiotics to restore the balance between muscle formation and muscle degradation. In preclinical animal models, probiotic administration resulted in increased muscle mass, improved muscle strength, and enhanced physical performance, including prolonged walking endurance and greater mobility.

In addition, signaling pathways associated with muscle breakdown were reduced, while levels of inflammatory mediators also showed a declining trend. Conversely, pathways that promote muscle growth and regeneration became more active. These findings suggest that probiotics may offer benefits beyond symptomatic improvement, with the potential to influence the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for the development and progression of sarcopenia.