In the pursuit of more effective weight-loss treatments, researchers have developed a novel obesity drug that combines gut-hormone mimicking peptides with an NMDA receptor blocker, demonstrating promising results in mice and rats. Published in Nature, the study by Jonas Peterson et al. showcases a potentially groundbreaking approach to combating obesity.
The drug candidate utilizes a peptide resembling the GLP-1 hormone fused with dizocilpine, an NMDA receptor blocker. This innovative fusion targets appetite-regulating neurons in the brain, offering a double impact on weight loss. Unlike previous attempts with NMDA receptor blockers, this approach aims to mitigate harmful side effects by couspling the blocker with gut-hormone mimics.
Early experiments in rodents revealed significant weight-loss benefits with reduced side effects compared to using dizocilpine alone. Moreover, when administered alongside semaglutide, an existing obesity drug, the peptide-drug conjugate further decreased body mass, surpassing the efficacy of current therapies.
The success of this fusion therapy has led to the founding of Ousia Pharma, with plans to advance a related drug candidate, OP-216, into clinical trials by 2025. This candidate, which also mimics GIP, presents a promising avenue for future obesity treatment.
Nature reports that while challenges remain in translating these findings to humans, the potential impact on the obesity epidemic is substantial. With obesity rates on the rise globally, innovative drug therapies offer hope for improved health outcomes and reduced disease burden in the future.