#$%^&*AU2013201250A120130328.pdf#####This invention relates to compositions and methods for treating muscle wasting disease conditions, and for modulating muscle tissue development. Compositions of the invention include antisense compounds with morphorlino subunits that hybridize to myostatin. Treatment aims to return myostatin levels to within a healthy range. These levels can be measured by determining the level of heteroduplexs comprising the antisense compound in a sample of subject body fluid.