Ozempic helps ‘Natural Killer’ cells curb cancer in people with obesity: study

health

To Kato Brook

May 9, 2023 | 4:48 PM

This trendy new drug does double duty.

A new study suggests that weight-loss drugs containing semaglutide, including Ozempic, could be used to fight cancer.

Researchers at the University of Maynooth in Ireland have explored the broad benefits of GLP-1 drugs commonly used to combat obesity and found that the treatment may help the body’s ability to fight cancer. bottom.

the studyA paper published Tuesday in the journal Obesity investigated the effects of obesity drugs on the body’s “natural killer cells,” immune system cells that can attack tumor and viral cells. Obesity disrupts the function of these immune cells and increases the risk of developing cancer.

The team analyzed a cohort of 20 obese patients and followed them for six months while receiving weekly injections of semaglutide, a drug from Wegovy and Ozempic. Their findings, due to be presented at the 30th European Obesity Congress this month, suggest that the drug restored her NK cell function.

“My team and I are very excited about these new findings about the effects of GLP-1 treatment on obese people, and they seem to offer real and tangible benefits to those currently taking the drug. said Dr. Andrew Hogan. The study’s principal investigator said: statement.

obesity is linked to Increased risk of premature death from hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and more. I may spell out a possible solution.

Professor Donal O’Shea, National Clinical Leader on Obesity for Ireland’s publicly funded health system, said: “We are finally at a point where treatments for the disease of obesity have been shown to prevent the complications of obesity. Health Services Executive: “The current findings are very positive news for obese patients on GLP-1 therapy, suggesting that the benefits of this treatment family may extend to reduced cancer risk.” It suggests something.”

But Hogan, who is also an associate professor at the university’s Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health, said there is a global shortage of the drug as a result of the “recent surge in popularity” of celebrity endorsed GLP-1 treatments. pointed out.

Weight loss jabs are typically used to treat people with type 2 diabetes, but they are widely used off-label among those who want to lose weight, causing debilitating effects in diabetics.

“Wealthier people buy it for over $1,000 without a prescription. Real diabetics are in short supply,” accused actress Jameela Jamil. on Instagram“Now it’s mainstream in Hollywood.”

Once touted as a “game changer”, semaglutide can cause sagging skin and a leaner “ozempic face” as a result of weight loss.

Ozempic’s rise coincides with the development of other weight loss drugs.

In March, researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio released a report on a proprietary drug, CPACC. In theory, the jab that scientists are trying to replicate in pills could allow users to eat whatever they want without adding extra pounds.

“One of the main barriers to people losing weight is eating and sticking to a healthy diet, and it usually has to be combined with fairly vigorous exercise. You can’t exercise,” says study author Travis Madaris, a doctoral student. She is working with Professor Madesh Mniswamy, she previously told the Post.

“Alone or in combination with small lifestyle changes, this will definitely change the game for people struggling to lose weight.

Tirzepatide, a once-weekly injection, is also comparable to Wegovy and Ozempic. Last month, its manufacturer Eli Lilly revealed that the drug, known under the brand name Mounjaro, helped a clinical trial participant lose nearly 16% of his body weight in 16 months. bottom.