RecruitingInterventional

One study, many treatments: a new way to fight muscle loss in later life

This study, called "One study, many treatments," aims to find better ways to help older people with muscle weakness, known as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia can make everyday tasks difficult and increase the risk of falls. We're using a special approach called a 'platform trial,' where we test several different treatments at the same time in smaller groups. This helps us quickly see which treatments show promise. We're inviting people aged 65 and over to take part. Your involvement could help us discover new ways to keep older adults stronger and more independent, although you might not directly benefit. If you're interested, you'd undergo some checks, then either receive a new treatment or usual care for 12 weeks, with health assessments before and after.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

31 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Sarcopenia

What is this study about?

Muscle weakness, known as sarcopenia, is a common issue for many people as they get older. It can make everyday activities like walking or standing up from a chair much harder. This weakness can also increase the chance of falls, make it difficult to live independently, and can mean longer stays in hospital if you get ill. Currently, we need more effective treatments specifically designed to combat this muscle loss.

This study, called "One study, many treatments," is set up to find more promising ways to help people with sarcopenia. We're using a new approach called a 'platform trial.' Think of it like a large building with many smaller rooms, where each room is testing a different idea at the same time. This allows us to compare several new treatments against each other (or against standard care) quite efficiently, to see which ones show the most promise. Our goal is to identify treatments that are worth investigating further in larger studies, with the ultimate aim of improving the lives of older people.

While participating might not directly improve your own muscle strength right away, the information we gather will be incredibly valuable. Your help could lead to the discovery of new and better treatments for sarcopenia in the future, ultimately benefiting many other people as they age. Every participant contributes to advancing our understanding and finding better health solutions for everyone.

Key takeaways

Study aims to find new treatments for muscle weakness (sarcopenia) in older adults.
Uses a 'platform trial' to test several treatments efficiently.
Open to people aged 65 and over with signs of muscle weakness.
Participation involves assessments, blood tests, a body scan, and a small muscle sample.
Your contribution could lead to better future treatments for muscle loss.
Study funded by Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.

Who may be eligible?

We are looking for people aged 65 and over to join this study. To be considered, you would generally have some signs of muscle weakness, such as having difficulty gripping things firmly or taking a longer time to stand up from a chair five times in a row.

There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently in another study testing a treatment, or if you regularly attend supervised exercise classes. We also need to make sure it's safe for you to have a small muscle sample taken, so we'd check if you have certain medical conditions or are taking medications that could affect this, like blood thinners. We also can't include people with specific serious health conditions that might make participation unsafe or affect the study results.

Essentially, we want to make sure the study is a good fit for you, and that taking part is safe. We will carefully go through all the requirements with you if you're interested.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 65 years old or older?
Do you sometimes struggle with grip strength or standing up from a chair easily?
Are you able to provide consent to take part?
Are you mostly healthy, without major heart or kidney disease, or certain medications like blood thinners?
Are you comfortable with the idea of having a small muscle sample taken if needed?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the first step is a quick phone call to see if you likely meet the main criteria. If you do, we'll arrange a full check-up either at your home or at our research centre. This involves answering some questions and giving a small blood sample. If you are eligible for more than one treatment group (which happens once multiple treatments are running), you'll get to choose which one you'd prefer to join.

Next, you'll visit us twice for 'baseline' tests. During these visits, we'll measure your balance, how quickly you walk, and your muscle strength. We'll also use a special scan called a DXA scan to look at your muscle size, and we'll take another blood sample and a very small sample of muscle from your thigh. After these initial tests, you'll be randomly assigned to either receive a specific treatment for 12 weeks or continue with your usual care. After these 12 weeks, you'll come back to the centre to repeat all the same tests. In total, your participation would involve a few visits over approximately a 3-month period.

Potential risks and benefits

While you might not directly feel better or stronger from taking part in this particular study, the information we gather could help scientists develop new treatments for muscle weakness in the future, benefiting both you and others. There are very minor risks involved with taking a small muscle sample: you might feel a little discomfort, or there's a small chance of bleeding or infection. Very rarely, some people might experience temporary numbness or tingling in a small area. Our team has lots of experience with this procedure, and most people in our past studies have found it manageable. You'll also have a body scan (DXA) that uses a very tiny amount of X-rays, which carries a minimal, long-term increased risk of cancer, similar to background exposure. You are always free to change your mind and stop participating at any time.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NIHR Newcastle Clinical Ageing Research Unit (CARU)
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is the medical term for muscle weakness and loss that often happens as people get older. It can make daily activities harder.

Who can join this study?

We are looking for people aged 65 and over who show some signs of muscle weakness to help us find better treatments.

What is a 'muscle biopsy'?

It's a procedure where we take a very small sample of your muscle, usually from your thigh, to learn more about it. It’s done with local numbing medicine.

Will I get special treatment if I join?

You'll either receive one of the study treatments for 12 weeks or continue with your usual care, depending on what group you're randomly assigned to.

Where does the study take place?

The main visits are at the Clinical Ageing Research Unit in Newcastle, but the first eligibility check can be done at your home if you prefer.

How to find out more

Philippa Watts

revitalise@newcastle.ac.uk +44 (0)191 208 4591 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.