November 4, 2008

expert comments on new obesity drug

A paper in the journal Cell Metabolism has shown that a new drug demonstrates a protective effect against diet-induced obesity by improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and enhances exercise endurance by enhancing fat utilisation in certain target tissues.

Prof Ian Broom, Centre for Obesity Research and Epidemiology (CORE), the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, said:

“Interesting programme of research! The interpretation of such a drug in the human situation needs a degree of caution. If the mode of action is through brown adipose tissue than the data may not be transferable to humans. We would certainly welcome any drug that had its mode of action on the energy expenditure side which included effects on improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the cardiometabolic risks associated with insulin resistance.

“The ability to increase lipid oxidation by peripheral tissues may also be an advantage. We would not, however, be quite as welcoming to a drug which allowed free access to high fat intake and would prefer the use of this possible therapeutic approach in addition to other lifestyle changes overall. Research in this area is to be welcomed as an additional route of combating the obesity epidemic and associated comorbid disease. We are, however, a long way from the use of such drugs in the human therapeutic arena. Trials of this approach will be needed in the future but additional toxicity and efficacy data are required before proceeding to live clinical trials.”