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Treating obesity: does antagonism of NPY fit the bill?
1University Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Erondu et al., (2006) identify a selective neuropeptide Y5 receptor antagonist that, as predicted from rodent studies, results in weight loss when administered to overweight and obese human subjects. In a one-year randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, the weight loss was modest; the results support the emerging concept that NPY acts via overlapping and redundant energy homeostasis pathways.
Insights
A new drug targeting the neuropeptide Y5 receptor (NPY5R) led to modest weight loss in obese humans. This supports the idea that NPY influences energy balance through multiple interconnected pathways.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is implicated in regulating energy homeostasis.
- Rodent studies suggested that blocking the NPY Y5 receptor (NPY5R) could promote weight loss.
Discussion:
- This study investigated the efficacy of a selective NPY5R antagonist in human subjects.
- A one-year randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on overweight and obese individuals.
Key Insights:
- Administration of the NPY5R antagonist resulted in modest weight loss in human participants.
- The findings align with predictions from preclinical rodent studies.
Outlook:
- The results suggest that NPY plays a role in energy balance through complex, overlapping pathways.
- Further research may explore refining NPY-targeting therapies for obesity management.
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Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion

