Podcast Summary: Understanding Testosterone and Muscle Preservation | Shalin Shah
Episode Title: Understanding Testosterone and Muscle Preservation
Host: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
Guest: Shalin Shah, CEO of Marius Pharmaceuticals
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon welcomes Shalin Shah, the CEO of Marius Pharmaceuticals. The conversation delves deep into the realm of testosterone therapy, focusing on the groundbreaking oral testosterone drug, Kaisertrex, which has recently received FDA approval.
Background of Shalin Shah and Marius Pharmaceuticals
Shalin Shah brings a unique perspective to the table, combining his extensive investment background with a passion for addressing underappreciated health assets. Under his leadership, Marius Pharmaceuticals has been pivotal in developing and bringing Kaisertrex to market. Dr. Lyon shares a personal connection, mentioning her husband’s collaboration with Dr. Mohakira at Baylor, highlighting the strong network supporting their endeavors.
Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [00:57]: "Testosterone has been around for almost 100 years, and you just have these periods where I think the public and the medical community have been scared."
The History and Evolution of Oral Testosterone
The discussion traces the origins of oral testosterone back to its isolation in 1935. Despite its early inception, oral testosterone faced significant hurdles due to liver toxicity, leading to a preference for injectable forms. It wasn't until the 1970s that a non-liver-toxic oral testosterone formulation emerged, albeit with its own challenges like frequent dosing and dietary restrictions.
Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [05:22]: "The first oral testosterone was when they actually isolated testosterone in 1935. So it was almost 100 years... but it was liver toxic."
Current Challenges with Testosterone Therapy
Shalin Shah highlights the persistent misconceptions surrounding testosterone therapy. Approximately 50% of the population is unaware of testosterone's importance, while another 40% holds unfavorable beliefs about its risks, such as cardiovascular issues and prostate cancer. This skepticism extends even to some medical professionals who may not stay updated with the latest research.
Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [08:35]: "Testosterone has been a very misunderstood molecule, to be honest."
Furthermore, the scheduling of testosterone as a controlled substance in the 1990s has created significant barriers, making access difficult and altering public perception negatively.
Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [12:07]: "We are launching a nonprofit that descheduling is a core tenant of our mission."
Kaisertrex: A Breakthrough in Testosterone Therapy
Kaisertrex stands out as an innovative oral testosterone solution that addresses many of the shortcomings of previous formulations. Unlike injectables, Kaisertrex is absorbed lymphatically through the small intestine, reducing liver toxicity and the need for multiple daily doses. This advancement offers greater convenience and adherence for patients.
Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [28:22]: "The half-life is around five, six hours. You take a dose in the AM and a dose in the PM."
Kaisertrex maintains testosterone levels within a physiological range, avoiding the spiked levels commonly associated with injections. This steady approach minimizes risks like elevated hematocrit and blood pressure.
Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [30:39]: "For Kaisertrex, sub 2% of our patients developed a hematocrit level above 54."
Impact on Metabolic Health and Fertility
The conversation emphasizes testosterone's role in metabolic health, including its influence on conditions like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression. Kaisertrex's design supports maintaining hormonal balance without significantly disrupting natural processes, thereby preserving fertility and reducing risks like testicular atrophy.
Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [34:23]: "We're not seeing reports of testicular atrophy, which is a huge concern with other forms of testosterone therapy."
The Testosterone Project: Advocating for Change
Shalin Shah introduces the "Testosterone Project," a nonprofit initiative aimed at revolutionizing testosterone therapy. The project focuses on:
- Standardizing Testosterone Testing: Advocating for routine testosterone screenings for both men and women over 40.
- Promoting Female Testosterone Research: Addressing the lack of FDA-approved testosterone treatments for women by supporting targeted research.
- Descheduling Testosterone: Working towards removing testosterone from its controlled substance status to enhance accessibility.
Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [46:05]: "Testosterone is a female hormone as well, and we need to recognize its importance beyond sexual dysfunction."
Future Directions and Expanding Applications
Looking ahead, Shalin Shah envisions Kaisertrex becoming a staple in testosterone therapy, not just for treating hypogonadism but also as a preventive measure against metabolic diseases. The potential for synergistic applications with other therapies, such as GLP-1 agonists, is also explored, hinting at comprehensive approaches to combating conditions like diabetes and muscle loss.
Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [77:43]: "In five years, if we are successful with that science and education, you could see 10 million men in the US on Kaisertrex and more globally."
Additionally, the global interest in testosterone therapy, especially in regions with high diabetes prevalence like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, underscores its universal relevance and potential impact.
Conclusion
Shalin Shah's insights shed light on the transformative potential of Kaisertrex in the testosterone therapy landscape. By addressing historical challenges, enhancing accessibility, and advocating for scientific advancement, Marius Pharmaceuticals is poised to make significant strides in improving metabolic health and overall well-being.
Final Notable Quote:
Shalin Shah at [79:28]: "We're committed to the research and education needed to change the way this therapy is viewed and utilized."
Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns.