Database→Follistatin

Tier 2–3HormonalAnti-agingMetabolicPREMIUM

Follistatin

Follistatin (FST) -- FS-288, FS-315, FS-344 Isoforms; Endogenous TGF-beta Superfamily Antagonist

Not FDA-approved for any human indication as a protein therapeutic or standard drug. One IND (Investigational New Drug) was approved for AAV1-FS344 gene therapy for muscular dystrophy research (Milo Biotechnology/Nationwide Children's Hospital), enabling Phase 1/2a human trials in Becker muscular dystrophy and sporadic inclusion body myositis. No NDA or BLA submitted. Minicircle's plasmid gene therapy operates outside FDA jurisdiction (administered in Honduras/Bahamas under local regulatory frameworks). Not FDA-reviewed or approved. WADA prohibited since 2019 under Section S4 (Hormone and Metabolic Modulators): Agents preventing activin receptor IIB activation, including myostatin inhibitors and myostatin-binding proteins. DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List. Injectable protein form sold as research chemical, no human therapeutic approval. Injectable protein has a half-life of approximately 90 minutes, which is a fundamental limitation compared to gene therapy delivery.

For research and educational purposes only · Not medical advice · Consult a qualified physician before any human use

Profile Overview

Follistatin is an endogenous glycoprotein that neutralizes multiple TGF-beta superfamily members including myostatin (GDF-8), activin A/B, and GDF-11, removing the primary molecular brakes on skeletal muscle growth. Transgenic mice overexpressing follistatin show muscle mass increases of 194 to 327% above controls -- effects exceeding even myostatin knockout animals. Two Phase 1/2a human gene therapy trials using AAV1-FS344 have been completed: one in Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD; n=6, Mendell 2015, Molecular Therapy) and one in sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM; n=6, Mendell 2017, Molecular Therapy). Both showed functional improvements and biopsy evidence of benefit but were open-label, uncontrolled, n=6 proof-of-concept trials whose efficacy conclusions have been critically challenged in the published literature. The injectable protein form used in the biohacking community has a ~90-minute half-life, no validated human dosing protocol, and a documented case series of central serous chorioretinopathy at high doses.

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The complete Follistatin profile includes all use cases with full evidence reviews, mechanism of action deep dive, safety analysis, evidence table, dosing guidance, and stack compatibility data.

For research and educational purposes only · Not medical advice · Consult a qualified physician before any human use