Class & Mechanism — Follistatin is a protein that naturally occurs in the body and has the ability to inhibit myostatin, a growth factor that inhibits muscle growth. By binding to and neutralizing myostatin, follistatin promotes muscle growth and differentiation. FST-344 and FST-315 are isoforms of follistatin, with FST-315 being a circulating, non-tissue binding form [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][11].
Research-documented benefits — [11] Demonstrated increased muscle mass in transgenic mice overexpressing follistatin and in non-human primates without adverse effects.
General-knowledge benefits — Follistatin is being studied for its potential to increase muscle mass and strength, particularly in conditions where muscle wasting occurs, such as muscular dystrophy.
Typical injectable protocol — Research-only; typical experimental doses and frequency are not well-established but are presumed to be in the range of 50-150 μg/kg, administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
Key risks / contraindications — Potential risks include off-target effects on the pituitary-gonadal axis. Contraindicated in individuals with a history of cancer or other conditions where increased muscle growth may be detrimental.
Bottom line — Follistatin is an experimental therapy used in research to study its potential to increase muscle mass and strength, with potential applications in muscle wasting disorders and athletics.
References
- A Phase 1_2a Follistatin Gene Therapy Trial for Becker Muscular Dystrophy
- Anabolic Steroids and Sports
- Endocrinology_ Adult and Pediatric
- GHRH, GH, and IGF-1_ Basic and Clinical Advances
- Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
- Grow young with HGH _ the amazing medically proven plan to
- Growth Hormone Secretagogues
- Growth Hormone Secretagogues in Clinical Practice
- Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)
- Growth hormone-releasing peptides and musculoskeletal health
- Growth hormone-releasing peptides in anti-aging medicine_ clinical applications and safety considerations
- Muscle_ Fundamental Biology and Mechanisms of Disease
- Peptides and Non Peptides of Oncologic and Endocrine Interest