A study by scientists in Japan has successfully created genetically modified mice that can produce their own “Ozempic.” It could pave the way for injection-free treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity in the future.
A Hormone With Huge Potential
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. However, in humans, it breaks down in under two minutes. Therefore, scientists have used synthetic analogs like semaglutide (Ozempic) to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity by mimicking GLP-1’s effects.
Overall, these drugs are highly effective. In fact, users can lose up to 15% of their body weight, according to clinical trial data.
Mice Make Own ‘Ozempic’
Now, researchers from the University of Osaka have gone further. Specifically, they engineered mice to produce GLP-1 directly from liver cells.
To do this, they injected lipid nanoparticles carrying gene-editing tools into the mice’s livers to produce exenatide, a GLP-1.
In time, these tools rewired liver cells to secrete GLP-1 naturally. Consequently, the mice no longer needed daily injections. Also, the effect lasted for months after a single treatment.
“This study suggests that genome editing could be used to create lasting treatments for complex diseases, potentially reducing the need for frequent medication,” said the researchers in their paper published in Communications Medicine.
Changes in Genome-Edited Mice
Overall, the results were dramatic. Obese mice on a high-calorie diet ate less and gained less weight.
Additionally, their blood sugar stabilized. Their insulin sensitivity improved, and they consumed less food overall. In contrast, untreated mice continued gaining weight and showed signs of insulin resistance.
Moreover, researchers detected the exenatide in the mice’s blood up to 28 weeks—roughly one-third of a mouse’s lifespan. Hence, this longevity suggests this therapy could become a long-term solution and not just a temporary fix.
Tricky Mice to Human Studies
Despite the excitement, experts urge caution, as translating success from mice to humans is notoriously difficult.
While gene therapy offers real potential, the complex human metabolism makes it challenging. Hence, scientists must ensure the treatment’s long-term safety, especially with permanent edits to the genome.
Additionally, risks remain. Unintended gene edits could trigger immune responses or affect other organs. Therefore, more testing is essential before any human trials can begin.
Implications for Future Treatments
Nevertheless, the implications are significant. This approach on mice could eliminate the need for weekly injections or expensive medication refills.
It could also widen access in low-resource settings, where consistent drug delivery poses a challenge. Gene therapy is rapidly advancing, and metabolic disorders may be the next frontier.
Importantly, this therapy could complement existing treatments. It won’t replace GLP-1 analogs yet, but it may offer a permanent alternative someday. As obesity rates continue rising globally, new tools like this as tested on mice are urgently needed.
Conclusion
By editing the genome of liver cells, scientists have created mice that produce their own GLP-1 and fight obesity naturally. Although more research is necessary, this development could change how we treat metabolic disease in the future.
Photo by Ricky Kharawala on Unsplash
