Ozempic alternative?
Molecule promises a more targeted approach to weight reduction
A naturally occurring molecule identified by Stanford Medicine researchers appears similar to semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, in suppressing appetite and reducing body weight.
Notably, testing in mice and pigs also shows that it works without some of the drug’s side effects, such as nausea, constipation and loss of muscle mass.
The newly discovered molecule, BRP, acts through a separate but similar metabolic pathway and activates different neurons in the brain. It promises a more targeted approach to body weight reduction.
“The receptors targeted by semaglutide are found in the brain but also in the gut, pancreas and other tissues,” said Katrin Svensson, PhD, assistant professor of pathology. “That’s why Ozempic has widespread effects including slowing the movement of food through the digestive tract and lowering blood sugar levels. In contrast, BRP appears to act specifically in the hypothalamus, which controls appetite and metabolism.”
Svensson is the senior author of the study, published March 5, 2025, in Nature. Senior research scientist Laetitia Coassolo, PhD, is the lead author.
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