Novel α-MSH analogue improves insulin sensitivity

Obesity is a major burden to people and to health care systems around the world. Fosgerau and colleagues characterized the effect of a novel selective α-MSH analogue on obesity and insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats and DIO minipigs by assessing the effects on food intake, energy consumption, and body weight. They found that treatment of DIO rats or minipigs with a selective MC4-R peptide agonist causes weight loss. Moreover, they demonstrated weight-independent effects on insulin sensitivity, identifying MC4 agonism as a viable target for the treatment of obesity and insulin resistance.

Read the full article at Fosgerau et al. (2014) Journal of Endocrinology 220; 97–107; DOI:10.1530/JOE-13-0284