Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified a naturally occurring molecule that mimics key weight-loss effects of Semaglutide, potentially offering a more targeted alternative with fewer side effects. The findings, published in Nature, show that the molecule—named BRP—reduces appetite and body weight in animal models.
Unlike semaglutide, which acts on receptors across multiple organs, BRP appears to function primarily in the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates appetite and metabolism. This targeted action may explain why treated animals did not exhibit common side effects such as nausea, digestive slowdown, or muscle loss.
The discovery was enabled by an artificial intelligence tool called “Peptide Predictor,” which screened thousands of potential hormone-like peptides derived from human proteins. From over 2,600 candidates, researchers identified BRP, a short peptide that showed strong activation of appetite-regulating neurons.
In animal studies, BRP reduced food intake by up to 50% shortly after administration and led to sustained fat loss over two weeks, along with improved glucose metabolism.
The findings open new avenues for obesity treatment, with researchers now preparing for early-stage human trials.
Author
