Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are often the most popular weight loss drugs. These drugs can help you lose weight, but they have unwanted side effects. Scientists at the University of Copenhagen are currently The neurokinin 2 receptor (NK2R), a target for weight-loss drugs, may help people with obesity and type 2 diabetes who respond poorly to current treatments. Read on to learn more about new weight loss drugs and their effects.
What is NK2R? New weight loss drugs in development
One of the most significant problems with current glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is its side effects, such as nausea and loss of lean muscle mass. But researchers at the University of Copenhagen may have found a solution with NK2R. They recently published research results on new weight loss drugs. nature.
The research team has developed a potential agonist that, when tested in animals, reduces appetite and increases energy expenditure without causing the nausea or loss of muscle mass that is common with other weight loss therapies.
“Administration of semaglutide (sold as Ozempic) can cause a significant aversive nausea reaction. However, our drug had no such trigger.” Zach Gerhart-Hinessaid study co-author and associate professor and metabolic researcher at the University of Copenhagen. BBC Science Focus. “Weight loss with our drug also led to muscle relief compared to semaglutide/ozempic, which causes a greater reduction in lean body mass.”
Why NK2R is different from Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs
Researchers claim that NK2R works in two ways. First, it targets the brain and reduces appetite. Second, the drug increases calorie burning in muscle and body fat (scientists call adipose tissue).
Because Ozempic mimics the GLP-1 hormone, its NK2R actions are also different from Ozempic. The new drug targets the receptors from which it takes its name – molecules naturally present in the body’s cells – and can affect weight, blood sugar and cholesterol.
NK2R focuses on energy consumption
Currently, the development of long-acting drug therapies based on the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon (GCG) is currently underway to treat cardiometabolic diseases. “This is revolutionizing the treatment of diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes,” the study authors wrote. Although these are advances when it comes to suppressing appetite, there is still a gap when it comes to burning more energy.
A person’s weight is determined by the balance between energy consumed and energy consumed. Eating more food and expending less energy will lead to better energy balance and weight gain. Conversely, if you eat less and burn more, you create a negative balance and lose weight.
Many incretin-based drugs reduce appetite by reducing the amount of calories you burn. Scientists involved in the NK2R study are focused on increasing the amount of calories your body burns. There is currently no clinically approved way to increase energy expenditure, but NK2R researchers wanted to change that.
When will NK2R be available for weight loss treatment?
Because increasing energy expenditure is one of their goals, scientists at the University of Copenhagen decided to test NK2R in mice. They found that activating the receptors safely increased calorie burn and decreased appetite, without any signs of nausea. NK2R Activation also increased insulin sensitivity and lowered blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol, causing the mice to lose weight and reverse diabetes.
It is important to remember that no human trials have been conducted, so results may vary when it comes to weight loss, decreased appetite, and energy expenditure. The good news? Researchers aim to begin clinical trials of NK2R in humans within the next two years, and if all goes well, they hope it can be prescribed here in the U.S. sometime after that. .
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before proceeding with any treatment plan.
