AI-discovered molecule BRP mimics Ozempic without side effects
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Stanford Medicine researchers have identified a naturally occurring molecule, BRP, that suppresses appetite and reduces body weight in animal studies without the nausea, constipation, or muscle loss associated with Ozempic. The molecule acts specifically in the hypothalamus, a brain region controlling appetite and metabolism, rather than affecting multiple tissues. A company co-founded by senior author Katrin Svensson plans to begin human clinical trials soon.
Targeted Mechanism
BRP activates a separate group of neurons in the hypothalamus, unlike semaglutide which targets receptors in the brain, gut, pancreas and other tissues. This specificity may reduce side effects such as slowed digestion and blood sugar fluctuations. The molecule belongs to a class of peptides derived from prohormones, discovered using artificial intelligence.
AI-Driven Discovery
The research team used AI to search through prohormone proteins, which are cut into smaller peptide fragments. A single prohormone can produce many possible peptides, and AI identified BRP as a candidate with appetite-suppressing properties. The study was published March 5 in Nature, with Laetitia Coassolo as lead author.
What's Next
The company co-founded by Svensson aims to initiate human clinical trials in the near future. It remains unclear whether BRP will replicate its animal-study efficacy and safety profile in humans.
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AI-discovered molecule BRP mimics Ozempic without side effects
