With obesity rates soaring and the demand for weight-loss drugs higher than ever, Ozempic and Wegovy have skyrocketed in popularity. However, these GLP-1 medications come with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems. Recently, scientists have discovered a molecule that could offer the same benefits without the usual adverse reactions.
Discovery of Molecule BRP
Scientists at Stanford Medicine used artificial intelligence to uncover BRP (BPM/retinoic acid inducible neural specific 2, or BRINP2 (BRINP2-related-peptide). BRP is a naturally occurring peptide with appetite-suppressing properties similar to GLP-1. They developed the “Peptide Predictor,” an algorithm that screened 20,000 protein-coding genes for sequences biologically active in the brain.
However, unlike GLP-1 agonists, which stimulate insulin production and slow digestion, the molecule BRP appears to work differently. Specifically, it targets neurons in the brain that control hunger while avoiding other pathways that cause side effects.
“The receptors targeted by semaglutide are found in the brain but also in the gut, pancreas and other tissues,” said Katrin Svensson, assistant professor of pathology and the study’s lead author.
“That’s why Ozempic has widespread effects including slowing the movement of food through the digestive tract and lowering blood sugar levels. In contrast, BRP appears to act specifically in the hypothalamus, which controls appetite and metabolism,” she added about the molecule.
Unlike GLP-1 drugs, which affect multiple systems, BRP works in a more focused way. As a result, it reduces hunger without triggering nausea or altering gut function. Early research suggests this targeted approach could make BRP a safer alternative for weight management.
Promising Preclinical Results
So far, studies on mice and minipigs have shown impressive results. Animals treated with the BRP molecule ate less and lost weight quickly. Even more encouraging, they did not experience nausea or muscle loss—two major drawbacks of GLP-1-based medications. These early findings indicate that BRP could revolutionize weight loss treatments.
Currently, many people struggle with GLP-1 medications due to their side effects. By focusing only on appetite control, BRP might change the game. In particular, this peptide could allow more individuals to lose weight without discomfort, leading to better long-term success. If clinical trials confirm these benefits, then BRP could become a powerful tool against obesity.
Next Steps in BRP Molecule Research
Although the findings are exciting, researchers must first conduct human trials before the BRP molecule reaches the market. Researchers plan to begin clinical testing soon, ensuring the peptide’s safety and effectiveness in people. If successful, this discovery could reshape the landscape of weight loss treatments.
“The lack of effective drugs to treat obesity in humans has been a problem for decades,” remarked Svensson. “Nothing we’ve tested before has compared to semaglutide’s ability to decrease appetite and body weight. We are very eager to learn if it is safe and effective in humans.”
The discovery of BRP offers new possibilities for people struggling with obesity. With further research, the molecule could become a leading alternative for safe and effective weight management.
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