Researchers from the biotechnology company (OSI) Prosidion discovered that in rats, a naturally occurring lipid signalling agent called oleoylethanolamide, affects the G-protein-couple receptor GPR119, and thereby reduce the animal's food intake and weight gain.

A novel compound designated as PSN632408 was also found to bring about the same reduction in food intake, targeting a difference receptor in the brain as that targeted by other obesity candidate drugs.

"We think this might be quite a unique receptor for the treatment of obesity and other aspects of metabolic syndrome because of its localization in the gastrointestinal tract and its effect on fat mass," Reynet said. "We also have preliminary evidence for improvements on lipid profile and insulin sensitivity."

The researchers claim that this novel compound may be comparative to a weight-loss agent, sibutramine, in reducing food intake and preventing weight gain.

Details of the mechanism by which such selective small molecules produce their effects remain to be elucidated, "but it is clear that this receptor system is a novel putative avenue for controlling caloric intake, body weight and some metabolic parameters, and hence has great potential value for discovering pharmaceuticals to alleviate the burdens of obesity and related metabolic disorders," the researchers said. The team said the search is on for additional compounds that might also act on GPR119.

[Source: Science Daily]