New drug controls body's signals for eating

A research team at Hebrew University on Jerusalem has developed a drug that mimics the activity of the hormone aMSH, which spurs the feeling of fullness. The hormone binds to a receptor in the brain that sends out the signal to the body that it is full. The researchers, led by a grad student, developed a synthetic peptide called BL-3020 that was able to enter the bloodstream, make its way to the receptor and emit the 'full' signal. Testing the therapy on mice over 24 hours, researchers noted a reduction in eating. Over a 12-day period, the mice dropped to a weight that was 40 percent below normal. Israel's Bioline RX bought the development rights.

- read the report from Scenta

ALSO: A new study indicates that mutations in the gene known as brain specific homeobox transcription factor might explain why some people fidget less and put on more weight. German engineers developed a mouse model without the Bsx factor and found they had accumulated more weight than normal mice over a period of three months. Report

Related Articles:
Obesity research points to new therapeutic target. Report
Molecular research points to new obesity therapy. Report
Scripps researchers find anti-obesity vaccine. Report
Solvay earns $25M as obesity drug advances. Report