BusinessJuly 6, 2026

cachexia

/kəˈkɛksiə/

Definition

A complex, debilitating syndrome characterized by severe weight loss, muscle atrophy, and physical weakness, often occurring as a secondary effect of chronic illness such as cancer.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek words 'kakos' (bad) and 'hexis' (condition or habit), entering modern medical terminology to describe a state of physical wasting.

In the news

The article mentions that a portfolio company, CatalYm, is developing a therapy specifically to treat cancer-related cachexia, highlighting the therapeutic focus of these investments.

Brandon Capital Announces Agreement for Novartis to Acquire Portfolio Company Myricx Bio to Advance New Class of Cancer Therapeutics

Read the full article ↗

markets.businessinsider.com

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.