Stanford Researchers Unveil Side Effect-Free “Natural Ozempic” Alternative
Stanford researchers have identified a small, naturally occurring peptide that mimics key weight-loss effects of semaglutide. Animal tests suggest it reduces appetite and body fat without typical side effects.
AI-guided discovery
The team used machine learning to scan the human proteome for hormone-like fragments. The tool, called Peptide Predictor, examined all 20,000 protein-coding genes.
Investigators focused on secreted prohormones and cleavage by prohormone convertase 1/3. That enzyme is already linked to body-weight regulation.
From thousands to one
The algorithm narrowed candidates to 373 prohormones. It then predicted 2,683 possible peptides for testing.
Researchers picked 100 peptides for laboratory screening. One short fragment stood out for its strong neuronal activity.
BRP: a tiny peptide with large effects
The active fragment, called BRP, is 12 amino acids long and derives from BRINP2. In cultured brain cells, BRP drove neuronal signals far above control levels.
Because of its potency and origin, scientists view BRP as a potential targeted treatment for appetite control.
Animal results
Tests in lean mice and minipigs showed dramatic reductions in food intake. A single injection cut feeding by as much as half within an hour.
In obese mice, daily doses for two weeks produced average weight loss of about 3 grams. Untreated controls gained roughly the same amount.
Treated animals showed better glucose and insulin responses. There were no detectable changes in activity, drinking, digestion, or anxiety-like behavior.
Distinct mechanism and safety profile
BRP appears to act mainly in the hypothalamus. That contrasts with semaglutide, which signals in the gut, pancreas and other tissues.
This more focused action may explain why animals avoided nausea, constipation and muscle loss. Researchers say BRP engages different neurons than GLP-1 mimetics.
Next steps toward human testing
Teams are working to identify BRP’s receptor and extend its duration of action. The goal is to develop an injectable or other user-friendly option for people.
Senior author Katrin Svensson, PhD, plans to move toward human trials through a company she helped found. Laetitia Coassolo, PhD, led the laboratory work.
Collaboration, funding and intellectual property
The study, published in Nature, included collaborators from UC Berkeley, the University of Minnesota, and the University of British Columbia. Multiple NIH grants supported the work.
Additional backers included Stanford programs, the American Heart Association, the Carlsberg Foundation, and the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance. Svensson and Coassolo are listed on patents covering BRP peptides.
Filmogaz.com will monitor developments as researchers pursue safety and efficacy trials. The team’s findings point to a promising, targeted and side effect‑sparing obesity approach.
Note: this story references Stanford researchers and describes a side effect-free, natural Ozempic alternative seen in preclinical studies.
