NorthStrive Biosciences Inc., a subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ELAB), has filed two U.S. patent applications covering the use of its preclinical drug candidates EL-22 and EL-32 to preserve lean muscle mass in humans exposed to microgravity during spaceflight.

The applications were assigned U.S. Patent Application Nos. 19/774,556 for EL-22 and 19/774,575 for EL-32. EL-22 targets myostatin, while EL-32 targets both myostatin and activin A, proteins that suppress skeletal muscle growth.

The filings extend the same biological approach NorthStrive is pursuing for muscle preservation in patients undergoing GLP-1 receptor agonist and other obesity-related weight loss treatment to a separate patient population: astronauts and others experiencing muscle atrophy from microgravity exposure.

The applications cover pharmaceutical compositions, dosage forms including oral delivery, combination approaches with apelin or ursolic acid, and claims specific to patients experiencing muscle loss in microgravity environments. NorthStrive stated that, to its knowledge, no pharmacologic therapy has been approved by any regulatory authority specifically for muscle loss caused by microgravity exposure.

Both EL-22 and EL-32 remain preclinical and have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or evaluated in humans for this indication. NorthStrive has not commenced a clinical trial in this patient population. The company also disclosed it has no current agreement with NASA, any other government space agency, or any commercial space operator.

NorthStrive has previously filed patent applications covering human muscle preservation during obesity-related weight loss treatment and animal health applications, and holds an exclusive license agreement for the commercialization of EL-22 and EL-32 in animal health.

The filing of a patent application does not guarantee that a patent will be issued or that any claim will be approved in its filed form, according to the company's statement.