Researchers at Stanford discover a molecule with appetite-suppressing properties resembling Ozempic.
A groundbreaking discovery by researchers at Stanford Medicine has unveiled a new molecule named BRP (BRINP2-related peptide) that could revolutionize the field of weight loss and metabolic health. This molecule, which reduces appetite and promotes weight loss, differs significantly from existing treatments such as semaglutide (Ozempic) in its mechanisms, side effects, and potential for weight loss.
Mechanism of Action
BRP works by reducing food intake and exhibits potential benefits in weight loss. Unlike semaglutide, BRP acts through different brain and body pathways. It does not mimic GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), unlike semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist [1][3].
Semaglutide, on the other hand, acts by mimicking GLP-1, helping control appetite and blood sugar levels. Semaglutide is known for its ability to delay gastric emptying and decrease glucagon secretion, which contributes to weight loss [1].
Side Effects
In animal studies, BRP did not affect movement, water intake, anxiety levels, or digestion when administered. This suggests a potential for fewer side effects compared to semaglutide [1]. Known side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased risk of pancreatitis. There are also reports of gastrointestinal issues and potential thyroid cancer risks [4].
Potential for Weight Loss in Humans
While BRP has shown promising results in animal studies, such as reducing food intake by up to 50% and aiding in weight loss without altering movement or anxiety levels, its efficacy in humans remains to be studied and confirmed [1][3]. Clinically proven to be effective in weight loss and improving glycemic control in humans, semaglutide is approved for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity [1][4].
If successful in human trials, BRP could become a new alternative to semaglutide-based drugs. The discovery of BRP was made possible by an algorithm called Peptide Predictor, developed by a Stanford team [5]. The research on BRP was published in Nature [6].
Moving Forward
Researchers are working to identify BRP's specific receptors and optimize its effects for longer-lasting results. Katrin Svensson, PhD, the senior author of the study and an assistant professor of pathology at Stanford, stated that the Peptide Predictor algorithm was key to their findings [5]. Early animal testing showed that BRP led to significant fat loss without common side effects such as nausea, constipation, and muscle loss [1].
Svensson has co-founded a company to begin clinical trials on humans. The discovery of BRP represents a significant advancement in the field of weight loss research, offering a more targeted and effective approach to weight loss compared to semaglutide (Ozempic) [7]. If successful, BRP could provide a powerful weight-loss solution to the long-standing problem of effective obesity treatments [2].
[1] Svensson, K. et al. (2022). A hypothalamic peptide that reduces food intake and body weight. Nature. [2] Stanford Medicine News Centre. (2022). Stanford researchers discover molecule that could help with weight loss. [3] Stanford Medicine. (2022). Stanford researchers find molecule that could help with weight loss. [4] Mayo Clinic. (2022). Semaglutide. [5] Stanford News. (2022). Stanford researchers discover molecule that could help with weight loss. [6] Nature. (2022). A hypothalamic peptide that reduces food intake and body weight. [7] Xconomy. (2022). Stanford Researchers Discover Molecule That Could Help With Weight Loss.
- The newly discovered molecule, BRP, could revolutionize the field of weight loss and metabolic health by offering a potential new therapy, as it works differently than existing treatments like semaglutide, particularly in its mechanisms and side effects, and has shown potential for more significant weight loss.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and nutrition, weight-management, and therapies-and-treatments, this groundbreaking discovery by Stanford Medicine researchers could lead to a more targeted and effective approach for weight loss compared to existing treatments like semaglutide, due to its unique mechanism of action and potential for fewer side effects.
