Do Brain Neurons Hold the Key to Semaglutide’s Success?
A specific group of nerve cells in the brain stem appears to control how semaglutide affects appetite and weight – without causing nausea. The discovery, made at the University of Gothenburg, could pave the way for better drugs to treat obesity.
Semaglutide belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1R agonists and has been shown to effectively reduce food intake and body weight. The drug is already well established as part of the treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes, but can cause side effects such as nausea and muscle loss.
In a new study, researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg have shown that it is possible to distinguish the nerve cells in the brain that control the beneficial effects – such as reduced food intake and fat loss – from those that contribute to side effects.
Excerpted from Neuroscience News
