Scientists have discovered “natural Ozempic” without side effects

Scientists from Stanford Medicine (USA) have identified a naturally occurring molecule in the body – BRP peptide, which in animal models effectively reduces appetite and promotes fat loss, without causing the typical side effects observed when using drugs such as Ozempic.

Their research was described in the journal Nature.

Semaglutide, the active substance of drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovyworks by imitating the hormone GLP-1, which affects the regulation of appetite and blood sugar levels. However, because semaglutide receptors are found not only in the brain, but also in the intestines and pancreas, its action covers various organs of the body, which is associated with frequent side effects, mainly nausea and slowing down of the digestive tract.

The newly identified BRP peptide works differently. As researchers explained, its activity is concentrated in the hypothalamus – the area of ​​​​the brain responsible for controlling appetite and metabolism. Therefore, it has a more targeted, and therefore potentially safer, mechanism of action.

The discovery was made possible thanks to the use of artificial intelligence tools. The team led by Dr. Katrin Svensson developed an algorithm analyzing over 20,000 protein-coding genes to predict which of them may be a source of biologically active peptides. Several thousand potential molecules were selected, some of which were tested experimentally.

One of the most promising candidates turned out to be BRP, a short peptide composed of 12 amino acids. In laboratory tests, it strongly stimulated neurons related to appetite control.

Animal tests also gave positive results. Giving BRP before meals to mice and pigs reduced the amount of food they consumed by up to half. In obese mice, two-week treatment with the peptide led to a decrease in body weight, resulting primarily from the reduction of adipose tissue (not muscle). At the same time, the metabolic parameters of rodents improved, including: glucose and insulin tolerance.

Importantly, scientists did not observe any changes in the animals' physical activity, water consumption or behavior suggesting discomfort or disturbances in the digestive system.

Further analyzes showed that BRP works through completely different biological pathways than GLP-1 and semaglutide. It also does not affect the leptin receptor, the so-called satiety hormone. According to researchers, this gives hope for the development of completely new therapies.

Currently, BRP is in the preclinical research phase. Scientists want to learn the exact mechanisms of its action and identify the receptors with which it interacts. In the next stage, they plan clinical trials involving humans.

As they concluded, effective drugs for obesity have been sought for decades. Semaglutide turned out to be a breakthrough, but it is not without its drawbacks. None of the molecules tested so far have equaled it in their ability to curb appetite and reduce body weight. The newly discovered peptide is a promising alternative. It will be crucial to see whether it proves safe and effective in humans as well.

Katarzyna Czechowicz (PAP)

kap/ agt/