Scientists at Stanford Medicine have identified a naturally-occurring molecule that mimics the weight loss effects of Ozempic while avoiding several common side effects. The molecule, named BRP, was found to reduce appetite and body weight in animal studies, offering a potential new avenue for obesity treatment.
Ozempic and similar drugs like Wegovy work by activating GLP-1 receptors, which are found throughout the body, leading to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In contrast, BRP appears to act specifically in the hypothalamus, the brain region controlling appetite and metabolism, according to the study published in Nature.
In tests on lean mice and minipigs, a single injection of BRP reduced food intake by up to 50 per cent within an hour. Over 14 days, daily injections in obese mice led to an average weight loss of three grams, primarily fat, while untreated mice gained fat. Treated animals also showed improved glucose and insulin tolerance, with no changes in movement, digestion, or anxiety-like behaviour.
Senior author Katrin Svensson, PhD, assistant professor of pathology, said: “The lack of effective drugs to treat obesity in humans has been a problem for decades. Nothing we’ve tested before has compared to semaglutide’s ability to decrease appetite and body weight. We are very eager to learn if it is safe and effective in humans.” Svensson has co-founded a company that plans to begin human clinical trials in the near future.
The researchers are now working to identify the specific receptors that interact with BRP and exploring ways to extend its effects for more convenient use. If proven effective in humans, BRP could offer a more targeted treatment for obesity with fewer side effects.
