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Updated: May 27, 2026
White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice
Published on: September 9, 2025
A peptidomimetic targeting white fat causes weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys
Kirstin F Barnhart1, Dawn R Christianson, Patrick W Hanley
1David H. Koch Center, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Obesity, defined as body mass index greater than 30, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and a financial burden worldwide. Despite significant efforts in the past decade, very few drugs have been successfully developed for the treatment of obese patients. Biological differences between rodents and primates are a major hurdle for translation of anti-obesity strategies either discovered or developed in rodents into effective human therapeutics. Here, we evaluate the ligand-directed peptidomimetic CKGGRAKDC-GG-(D)(KLAKLAK)(2) (henceforth termed adipotide) in obese Old World monkeys. Treatment with adipotide induced targeted apoptosis within blood vessels of white adipose tissue and resulted in rapid weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys. Magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry confirmed a marked reduction in white adipose tissue. At experimentally determined optimal doses, monkeys from three different species displayed predictable and reversible changes in renal proximal tubule function. Together, these data in primates establish adipotide as a prototype in a new class of candidate drugs that may be useful for treating obesity in humans.
Insights
A novel drug, adipotide, effectively reduced weight and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys by targeting white adipose tissue. This shows promise for a new class of obesity treatments in humans.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Pharmacology
- Metabolic disease research
Background:
- Obesity is a significant global health issue with limited effective pharmacological treatments.
- Translating anti-obesity strategies from rodents to humans is challenging due to biological differences.
- Adipotide is a novel ligand-directed peptidomimetic designed for obesity treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adipotide in obese non-human primates.
- To assess adipotide's impact on white adipose tissue, body weight, and metabolic parameters.
- To determine the potential of adipotide as a therapeutic agent for human obesity.
Main Methods:
- Administration of adipotide to obese Old World monkeys.
- Assessment of white adipose tissue apoptosis and volume using imaging techniques (MRI, DEXA).
- Monitoring of body weight, insulin resistance, and renal proximal tubule function.
Main Results:
- Adipotide treatment led to targeted apoptosis in white adipose tissue blood vessels.
- Significant weight loss and improved insulin resistance were observed in treated monkeys.
- Adipotide demonstrated predictable and reversible effects on renal function at optimal doses.
Conclusions:
- Adipotide effectively reduces white adipose tissue and improves metabolic health in obese primates.
- These findings establish adipotide as a prototype for a new class of anti-obesity drugs.
- Adipotide shows potential as a future therapeutic option for human obesity treatment.
