Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an innovative technology that could significantly enhance the duration and efficacy of GLP-1-based obesity treatments. This new approach is expected to not only extend the effectiveness of these drugs but also potentially reduce the required dosage, helping to mitigate common side effects.
Bradley Pentelute, a professor at MIT, announced the breakthrough on March 24, revealing that the team has successfully combined GLP-1 analogs with antibodies to slow the degradation rate of these medications. The findings were presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2025 National Meeting in San Diego.
GLP-1 Drugs and Their Role in Obesity Treatment
GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body, plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar by promoting insulin secretion and decreasing appetite. Initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 analogs have since been found to aid in weight loss, leading to their adoption as a treatment for obesity. Notable GLP-1-based drugs, such as Munjaro (tirzepatide) from Eli Lilly and Wegovy (semaglutide) from Novo Nordisk, are part of this growing class of medications.
However, GLP-1 analogs are composed of peptides that are quickly broken down in the body, limiting their effectiveness and requiring frequent administration. For example, both Munjaro and Wegovy are currently administered once a week, and higher doses used to extend their effects can lead to gastrointestinal side effects.
The Antibody Binding Innovation
MIT’s research team has addressed these challenges by attaching GLP-1 analogs to immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. IgG, commonly used to enhance the stability of chemotherapy drugs, helps stabilize the GLP-1 analogs, allowing them to target specific receptors in the body. This antibody-binding process functions like a guided missile, delivering the drug precisely to its intended target while reducing side effects.
The team experimented by combining IgG from both humans and mice with GLP-1 analogs. After achieving a binding rate of over 50%, they administered the modified drug to mice suffering from type 2 diabetes and metabolic obesity. The results were promising: a single dose of the antibody-bound GLP-1 analog sustained blood sugar reduction and weight loss effects for 15 days. This suggests the potential for extending the administration period to once every two weeks.
Benefits: Extended Duration and Reduced Dosage
Notably, the researchers found that reducing the dosage of the GLP-1 analog to one-fourth of the typical dose still produced similar results. This could not only improve convenience for patients but also minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Professor Pentelute expressed optimism about the broader implications of this development, noting that the combination of antibodies and peptides could lead to more cost-effective treatments while enhancing the overall efficacy of these drugs. He also shared that MIT is working on methods to attach multiple drugs to a single antibody, paving the way for potential combination therapies in the future.
This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in the field of obesity treatment, offering hope for improved, more accessible therapies for those struggling with obesity and its related health complications.
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