Obesity and diabetes are major health challenges worldwide, affecting millions of people and increasing the risk of serious problems like heart disease and strokes.
While bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, has been a successful method for weight loss and even diabetes remission, it is not suitable for everyone due to its invasive nature and potential risks. This has led researchers to explore less invasive options that could provide similar benefits without the need for surgery.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have recently made an exciting breakthrough in this field. They have developed a new class of injectable compounds that can significantly reduce body weight and improve blood sugar levels.
In tests conducted on lab animals, these compounds showed promising results, suggesting they might mimic the benefits of bariatric surgery by affecting the way the gut regulates certain hormones responsible for appetite and blood sugar levels.
Current medications for obesity and diabetes often target specific receptors in the pancreas and brain, particularly those linked to a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is known for its role in reducing appetite and controlling blood sugar.
However, many of these medications come with side effects like nausea and vomiting, making them hard for some patients to tolerate.
To address this, the research team developed a new compound called GEP44. Unlike existing treatments, GEP44 targets more than one hormone receptor, not just GLP-1.
It also activates two receptors for another gut hormone called peptide YY (PYY), which is involved in reducing appetite and improving feelings of fullness. This combined action allows GEP44 to work more effectively while reducing the unpleasant side effects often seen with other medications.
The results from the animal trials were impressive. When obese rats were given GEP44, their food intake dropped by up to 80%, and they lost about 12% of their body weight in just 16 days.
To put that into perspective, these rats lost three times more weight than those treated with liraglutide, a well-known GLP-1 receptor drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for obesity treatment.
One of the biggest benefits of GEP44 is that it seems to avoid the common side effects of nausea and vomiting. In animal tests, even in shrews (which are capable of vomiting, unlike rats), there were no signs of these symptoms.
Researchers believe this is because GEP44 activates multiple receptors, which might balance out the pathways in the brain that trigger nausea.
Another interesting finding is that GEP44 not only helps reduce food intake but also boosts energy expenditure. This means it helps the body burn more calories, which showed up in the animals as increased activity, higher heart rates, and even a rise in body temperature. This dual effect—eating less and burning more—could make it an especially powerful tool for weight management.
The benefits of GEP44 extend beyond just weight loss. The compound also helps lower blood sugar levels. It does this by moving glucose into muscle tissue, where it can be used for energy.
Even more promising, GEP44 appears to help certain cells in the pancreas transform into insulin-producing cells. This is particularly important for people with diabetes, whose ability to produce insulin is often impaired.
One surprising discovery from the research was that GEP44 might also reduce cravings for opioids like fentanyl. In tests with rats, the compound seemed to lessen the desire for these addictive substances. If this finding is confirmed in further studies, it could open the door to new treatments for addiction, making GEP44 even more valuable.
The researchers are excited about the possibilities and have already filed patents for their new compounds. They plan to move forward with tests in primates and explore how these treatments affect gene expression and brain activity. These studies could reveal even more about how GEP44 works and its potential benefits for other conditions.
If all goes well, these compounds could become a safer and less invasive alternative to bariatric surgery for people with obesity and diabetes. This could be a game-changer for millions who struggle with weight management and blood sugar control but are not candidates for surgery.
While more testing is still needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness in humans, the early results are promising. GEP44 represents a major step forward in developing new, non-invasive treatments for two of the most challenging health issues of our time.
If successful, it could make it easier for people to manage their weight and control their diabetes without the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about high vitamin D level linked to lower dementia risk in diabetes, and green tea could help reduce death risk in diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
