Study wrapper · #605
JMV2894, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, accelerates body mass recovery in an experimental model of cachexia.
Editor's note
In a rat model of cisplatin-induced weight loss, researchers compared three growth hormone secretagogues, hexarelin, JMV2894, and JMV2951, all confirmed as full GHS-receptor agonists. All three caused transient increases in food intake, but total food consumption over 12 days did not differ from controls. Cisplatin-treated rats lost 5-10% of body weight then regained it; notably, JMV2894-treated rats regained weight fastest and reached control weights, an effect the authors attribute partly to reduced muscle-atrophy signaling rather than fat gain. Hexarelin is thus a comparator here, and the standout result belongs to the novel analog. This is a single preclinical model; these are preclinical findings, and human data would be needed before any clinical conclusions.
Plain-language abstract
Cancer chemotherapy often causes appetite loss, malnutrition, and wasting. Researchers tested whether three growth-hormone-releasing peptides, hexarelin and two experimental ones (JMV2894 and JMV2951), could counter weight loss in rats given the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. All three briefly boosted appetite, but overall food intake was not higher than in untreated rats. The cisplatin-treated rats lost 5-10% of their weight and then regained it; those given JMV2894 regained weight fastest and caught up to healthy rats, apparently by reducing muscle-wasting signals rather than adding fat. Hexarelin was included mainly for comparison, and the strongest effect came from the newer compound. The abstract reports no adverse events. These are preclinical findings in rats; human studies would be needed before any clinical conclusions.