NorthStrive Biosciences Inc., a subsidiary of PMGC Holdings (Nasdaq: ELAB), has filed two new U.S. patent applications that extend its peptide‑based muscle preservation assets into spaceflight medicine. The filings cover EL‑22 and EL‑32, investigational candidates designed to counter muscle atrophy in microgravity environments.
EL‑22 targets myostatin, while EL‑32 addresses both myostatin and activin A, proteins that inhibit skeletal muscle growth. The new applications apply this biology — already being advanced for muscle preservation during GLP‑1 receptor agonist weight‑loss therapy — to astronauts exposed to prolonged microgravity.
Peptide Innovation at the Core
The filings highlight peptide engineering as central to NorthStrive’s approach. EL‑22 claims pharmaceutical products comprising an isolated myostatin‑derived Myo‑2 peptide, multimers of two to eight peptides, and fusion proteins pairing mature myostatin with peptide constructs. EL‑32 claims engineered microorganisms expressing myostatin and activin A as bispecific antigens, including embodiments using lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus paracasei. Together, these assets represent a broad peptide‑based platform aimed at preserving lean muscle mass.
Muscle loss in microgravity is a well‑documented risk, with astronauts experiencing atrophy due to mechanical unloading. Current countermeasures rely on exercise and nutrition, but no pharmacologic therapy has been approved for this indication. NorthStrive argues that an orally deliverable peptide‑based approach could fit operational constraints in space, where mass, volume, and crew time are limited.
Strategic Expansion
These filings continue NorthStrive’s strategy of broadening its intellectual property estate across multiple indications. Beyond space health, the company has filed patents for muscle preservation during obesity treatment with GLP‑1 agonists, sarcopenia, disuse atrophy, and animal health. By layering applications across diverse markets, NorthStrive aims to maximize commercial optionality at modest incremental cost.
EL‑22 and EL‑32 remain preclinical, with no human trials yet in spaceflight muscle loss. Patent filings do not guarantee approval or commercialization. Still, the move underscores how peptide therapeutics are being positioned not only for terrestrial health challenges but also for the emerging medical needs of sustained human presence in space.