ADIPOTIDE
Also known as
Peptidomimetic designed to target and apoptose white adipose tissue vasculature. Studied for metabolic health; preliminary evidence from obese primate models only — no human trials published. Flagged, elevated risk.
Evidence
Animal or in-vitro only
Risk band
Serious AEs reported or theoretical
Research goals
Summary
Adipotide is a ligand-directed peptidomimetic (CKGGRAKDC-GG-(D)(KLAKLAK)2) designed to target the vasculature of white adipose tissue and induce apoptosis of those blood vessels [1]. In obese Old World monkeys, treatment caused targeted apoptosis within white-fat blood vessels, rapid weight loss, and improved insulin resistance, with imaging confirming a marked reduction in white adipose tissue [1]. However, at optimal doses the monkeys showed predictable, reversible changes in renal proximal tubule function, and a published comment argued the weight loss may partly reflect a direct effect of adipotide on food consumption rather than its proposed vascular mechanism [1,3]. The evidence is entirely preclinical with no human studies in the provided literature, and related work explores nanoparticle-targeted obesity therapeutics rather than adipotide in humans [2]. Evidence as an administered human therapeutic is therefore preliminary.
Sources
- 1. A peptidomimetic targeting white fat causes weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys Science translational medicine, 2011.
- 2. A comparative study between nanoparticle-targeted therapeutics and bioconjugates as obesity medication Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society, 2013.
- 3. Comment on "a peptidomimetic targeting white fat causes weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys" Science translational medicine, 2012.
For educational purposes only.