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A Novel Procedure for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Tastants in Laboratory Rats: Operant Intraoral Self-administration
Published on: February 6, 2014
[Drug control of appetite]
1Service d'enseignement thérapeutique pour maladies chroniques, Centre collaborateur de l'OMS, Département de médecine communautaire, de premier recours et des urgences, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. vincent.makoundou@hcuge.ch
New obesity drugs offer fewer side effects by targeting specific receptors or using novel mechanisms like GLP-1 and leptin. Combination therapies show promise, but appetite dysregulation requires further research.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Obesity Research
Context:
- Obesity management relies on appetite control, a complex neurohormonal process.
- Previous appetite-regulating drugs faced withdrawal due to severe side effects.
- Emerging research focuses on novel pharmacological agents with improved safety profiles.
Purpose:
- To review current advancements in drug development for appetite control in obesity management.
- To highlight new substances with enhanced receptor specificity or novel mechanisms of action.
- To discuss the potential of combination therapies (polypills) in addressing appetite dysregulation.
Summary:
- Drug development for appetite control is evolving, moving beyond older medications with significant side effects.
- New agents like locarserin (receptor specificity) and GLP-1 agonists, leptin, and anti-ghrelin therapies (novel mechanisms) are being developed.
- Combination therapies, such as naltrexone-bupropion and phentermine-topiramate, demonstrate encouraging outcomes.
Impact:
- Advances in understanding appetite regulation are paving the way for safer and more effective obesity treatments.
- Targeted drug development offers hope for improved patient outcomes in obesity management.
- Further research into the dominant mechanisms of appetite dysregulation is crucial for future therapeutic strategies.
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