Stanford scientists discover “natural Ozempic” without side effects

Stanford researchers identify a novel brain-targeting peptide that suppresses appetite in animal studies, potentially offering a new path for weight-loss therapy. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Stanford scientists discover “natural Ozempic” without side effects

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Scientists at Stanford University have announced the discovery of a novel molecule, a tiny peptide dubbed BRP, which in early animal studies mimics the potent appetite-suppressing effects of blockbuster drugs like Ozempic but appears to avoid common and debilitating side effects such as nausea and muscle loss. The finding, published this week, points to a potential future where weight management therapies are both highly effective and better tolerated by patients. The research centers on BRP's unique mechanism of action. Unlike current GLP-1 agonist drugs, which work primarily through hormonal pathways in the gut and can cause significant gastrointestinal distress, the newly identified peptide is designed to act directly on the brain's appetite-control center. This targeted approach in preclinical models resulted in reduced food intake and fat loss, without the adverse effects that often limit patient adherence to existing treatments. The distinction marks a significant conceptual shift in the search for next-generation anti-obesity medications. The discovery process leveraged advanced computational screening to identify BRP from a vast library of potential compounds. This method allowed researchers to pinpoint a molecule with the desired biological activity and structural properties for brain targeting. The use of such technology accelerates the traditionally slow and costly early stages of drug discovery, enabling a more focused investigation of promising candidates that might otherwise have remained hidden. The global context of this research is a pharmaceutical market intensely focused on weight loss. Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have demonstrated unprecedented efficacy, creating a multi-billion dollar industry and highlighting a massive unmet medical need. However, their side-effect profile, including nausea, vomiting, and the loss of lean muscle mass alongside fat, remains a substantial drawback. A therapy that retains the core benefit of reduced appetite while mitigating these issues would represent a major clinical and commercial advancement. While the results are promising, the Stanford team and independent experts emphasize the preliminary nature of...

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Categoria: cronaca