Therapeutics for Sarcopenia and Functional Disabilities in Older Adults: A Review of Phase 4 Clinical Trials

Nasser M Alorfi,1,2 Fahad S Alshehri,1 Ahmed M Ashour1,2 1Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 2King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, 11614, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Nasser M Alorfi, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966500644261, Email [email protected]: Sarcopenia significantly contributes to physical disability and reduced quality of life in older adults, leading to disability. Therapeutics used to manage sarcopenia can improve not only muscle health but also the overall functional capacity of individuals at risk of developing disabilities. This review focuses on the therapeutic interventions evaluated in phase 4 clinical trials to address sarcopenia and its associated disabilities in older adults.Objective: To review and summarize the therapeutic agents tested in phase 4 clinical trials for the management of sarcopenia and their potential impact on reducing functional disabilities in older adults.Methods: A review of phase 4 clinical trials was conducted on 6th November 2024, focusing on interventions for sarcopenia in older adults. Data on therapeutic agents, trial outcomes, and their effects on muscle mass, strength, and disability prevention were collected from clinicaltrials.gov database.Results: Several therapeutic agents, including whey protein powder, eldecalcitol, testosterone enanthate, and Denosumab, have been tested in Phase 4 trials for their ability to enhance muscle mass and function in older adults with sarcopenia. Allopurinol and Pioglitazone were also studied for their potential to improve muscle metabolism, while Medrol (Methylprednisolone) and Levothyroxine offered supportive effects in inflammatory and metabolic disorders that exacerbate muscle loss. Moreover, combination therapies, such as nutritional supplementation with HMB and vitamin D, showed promise in improving muscle function. These interventions demonstrated varying degrees of efficacy in improving muscle strength, reducing physical disability, and enhancing overall functional capacity in older adults.Conclusion: Therapeutic strategies targeting sarcopenia in older adults have the potential to reduce functional disabilities and improve quality of life. Phase 4 clinical trials provide valuable insights into the long-term safety and effectiveness of these treatments. Continued research and refinement of these therapies are essential to fully address the disabling effects of sarcopenia and promote healthy aging.Keywords: aging, disability, geriatric, muscles loss, sarcopenia, therapeutics