Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a natural molecule that mimics some of the weight-loss effects of the drug semaglutide, commercially known as Ozempic.
Studies conducted on animals have shown that this molecule, called BRP, reduces appetite and weight while avoiding many common side effects such as nausea, constipation, and muscle loss.
The newly discovered molecule works via a different but related biological pathway to semaglutide, activating distinct groups of neurons in the brain. Researchers believe this could offer a more precise way to control appetite and metabolism.
Dr. Kathrin Svensson, Assistant Professor of Pathology, says: "The receptors targeted by semaglutide are found in the brain, but also in the intestines, pancreas and other tissues. This is why osmpic has wide-ranging effects, including slowing the movement of food through the digestive system and lowering blood sugar levels. In contrast, the BRP molecule appears to act specifically in the hypothalamus, the region responsible for controlling appetite and metabolism."
This discovery relied heavily on artificial intelligence. The researchers developed a computer tool called the "Peptide Predictor" to analyze thousands of human genes.
The tool searched for prohormones that could be cut into smaller pieces called "peptides," and the team then focused on 373 of them for testing.
Of the 2,683 peptides predicted by the system, scientists selected 100 to study their effects on brain cells in the lab. The result was surprising: a very small peptide made up of only 12 amino acids (the BRP molecule) was ten times more active than the GLP-1 hormone that Ozempic mimics.
When the molecule was tested on mice and piglets (which are closer to humans in terms of metabolism), food intake decreased by 50% within an hour of a single injection.
In obese mice that received daily injections for 14 days, they lost about 3 grams of weight, mostly fat.
In contrast, the untreated mice gained about 3 grams in weight during the same period.
The treated mice also showed improved glucose and insulin tolerance, with no change in movement, water intake, behavior, or digestion.
Dr. Svensson emphasizes that this molecule works through completely different pathways than Ozempic. She adds, "The lack of effective drugs for treating obesity in humans has been a problem for decades. We have never tested a drug that matches Ozempic's ability to reduce appetite and weight, and we are excited to find out if this new molecule is safe and effective in humans."
Researchers are now working to identify the specific receptors that interact with the BRP molecule, to better understand how it works in the body, and are also exploring ways to prolong its effect so that it can be used more conveniently if it proves effective in humans.
