Scientists Say They've Figured Out a Way to Reprogram the Pancreas to Produce GLP-1s Without Ozempic

"GLP-1 is the naturally produced hormone whose function is being mimicked by drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, the active ingredients in popular and highly effective weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound. As CNN reports, two biotech startups are working on gene therapy treatments that would require, in a best-case scenario, a single injection that would reprogram the body's cells to produce the hormone instead of relying on weekly injections like current drugs."

"The idea is to coax existing cells into producing the hormone, reaping the benefits of GLP-1 drugs without ongoing treatment. Both companies have already shown that the approach works in mice and are already testing it on larger animals, including pigs and monkeys. However, whether the human body can also benefit from the approach remains to be seen. It could take years of more research to determine whether it works, let alone if it's safe."

"According to recent Gallup data, the use of GLP-1 injectables has doubled in the United States in the last year alone. Promisingly, obesity rates have also started to decline since 2022, with experts suspicious that GLP-1 drugs have contributed to the trend. The effects aren't just cosmetic, either. Besides leading to weight loss, the injectables have also been shown to ward off chronic diseases, help control blood sugar, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve kidney health."

Scientists are developing gene therapies designed to prompt the body's cells to produce glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), the hormone targeted by drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. Two biotech startups have shown success in mice and are testing the approach in larger animals including pigs and monkeys, pursuing a potential single-injection treatment that eliminates the need for ongoing injections. Human effectiveness and safety remain unproven and could require years of research. Use of GLP-1 injectables has recently risen sharply and is associated with declining obesity rates and multiple metabolic and cardiovascular health benefits.

Read at Futurism