Researchers have discovered a potential game-changer in weight loss treatments, one that could help people lose weight and control blood sugar without the unpleasant side effects of popular drugs like Ozempic. The breakthrough comes from understanding how brain support cells naturally produce a molecule that reduces appetite.
In most current weight loss medications, such as GLP-1s, the primary focus is on neurons in the hindbrain that regulate hunger. However, scientists are now exploring alternative brain cells known as “support” cells, including glia and astrocytes, which may play a crucial role in reducing appetite.
A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine found that astrocytes produce a molecule called octadecaneuropeptide (ODN), which suppresses appetite. Researchers created a new version of this molecule, tridecaneuropeptide (TDN), which was tested in obese mice and musk shrews. The results showed that TDN helped the animals lose weight and improve their response to insulin without causing nausea or vomiting.
This approach could lead to a new generation of weight loss treatments that deliver results without the unpleasant side effects, making it a promising alternative for those struggling with weight management. A company called CoronationBio has been launched to develop this treatment, with plans to start human trials in 2026 or 2027.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-shortcut-to-weight-loss-without-nausea