Watch out, Ozempic.
Stanford Medicine scientists have discovered a naturally occurring molecule that rivals the weight-loss effects of semaglutide-based GLP-1s in animals — without the dreaded side effects.
“Nothing we’ve tested before has compared to semaglutide’s ability to decrease appetite and body weight,” said Dr. Katrin Svensson, senior author of the research and an assistant professor of pathology at Stanford. “We are very eager to learn if it is safe and effective in humans.”
America’s waistline crisis
Obesity in the US is at an all-time high, with the country leading among high-income nations.
There were 172 million obese and overweight Americans over 25 in 2021 — a figure that is expected to climb to 214 million by 2050. The outlook for children and adolescents is equally grim.
Obesity is a major risk factor for a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, sleep apnea and certain cancers. Yet, even modest weight loss can help prevent or improve these issues.
Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has quickly become a go-to solution for those looking to slim down. In 2023 alone, 5 million Americans were prescribed the drug, with nearly 40% of them using it for weight management, according to Penn Medicine.
While clinical trials suggest that semaglutide can help users lose 10% to 15% of their body weight, it’s not all smooth sailing. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. More serious issues like pancreatitis, kidney problems and vision impairment have also been reported.
Add in personality changes, erectile dysfunction and the infamous Ozempic butt and boobs, and it’s clear this weight-loss wonder drug doesn’t come without its risks.
New developments
Here’s the good news: a natural alternative to semaglutide could be on the horizon.
A team of researchers from Stanford Medicine developed an artificial intelligence program to sift through thousands of proteins and pinpoint hormones that influence energy metabolism. The algorithm led them to a tiny, 12-amino acid molecule nicknamed BRP.
“The receptors targeted by semaglutide are found in the brain but also in the gut, pancreas and other tissues. That’s why Ozempic has widespread effects, including slowing the movement of food through the digestive tract and lowering blood sugar levels,” said Svensson.
“In contrast, BRP appears to act specifically in the hypothalamus, which controls appetite and metabolism.”
When the researchers injected lean male mice with BRP, it reduced food intake by 50% within just one hour. The same effects were seen in minipigs, whose metabolism and eating habits are more similar to humans.
In a 14-day trial with obese mice, BRP injections led to an average fat loss of 3 grams, while control mice gained weight.
The treated mice also showed improved glucose and insulin tolerance, with no noticeable changes in water intake, fecal output or anxiety behavior that suggested any side effects.
Svensson hopes to next move forward with human clinical trials for BRP, and she’s co-founded a company to help with the effort. Researchers are also looking into how to extend the molecule’s effects, making it more convenient for dosing if it proves effective in regulating human body weight.
