SKH Doctor on MAGNET initiative to combat muscle loss

A S$10 million research initiative to tackle muscle loss in Singapore’s ageing population was launched on 4 August 2025, making it the country’s first comprehensive programme focused on sarcopenia. A key area of research is the first sarcopenia biobank, spearheaded by Sengkang General Hospital, which will help the research team uncover insights behind the disease. Clinical Associate Professor Frederick Koh, Consultant, Colorectal Surgery Service, SKH, and clinical lead of MAGNET, explained that muscle tissue and blood samples are obtained with consent during patients’ scheduled surgeries, and that the tissue removed is very small and will not affect patients’ recovery.

The nationwide initiative brings together a consortium of scientists and clinicians across Singapore's three public healthcare clusters - National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth.

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Source: [Lianhe Zaobao] © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.