Scientists Develop Gene Therapy to Boost Body’s GLP-1 Production
Researchers have made significant strides in the fight against obesity and related health issues by developing a method to reprogram the pancreas to produce its own glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This advancement could reduce reliance on medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are commonly used in weight-loss treatments such as Wegovy and Zepbound.
Two biotech companies, Fractyl and RenBio, are pioneering gene therapy techniques that may allow for a single injection to stimulate the body’s natural production of GLP-1. Current treatments require weekly injections, but the new approach aims to transform existing cells into hormone-producing entities. Early animal studies have shown promise, with both companies successfully demonstrating their methods in mice and moving on to trials with larger animals, including pigs and monkeys.
While the results in animals are encouraging, the human application remains uncertain. According to Harith Rajagopalan, cofounder and CEO of Fractyl, the goal is to achieve significant weight loss and improved metabolic health without the need for ongoing medication. The potential benefits are substantial, as GLP-1 drugs have been linked to weight loss and a reduction in chronic disease risks. Data from Gallup indicates that the use of GLP-1 injectables in the United States doubled over the past year, coinciding with a decline in obesity rates, suggesting that these medications may be contributing to positive health outcomes.
Innovative Approaches to GLP-1 Production
Fractyl’s gene therapy, named Rejuva, utilized a small virus to deliver DNA instructions for producing GLP-1 directly into cells. In trials, obese mice treated with Rejuva lost approximately 20 percent of their body weight in just three weeks. Rajagopalan noted that normal-weight mice maintained stable blood sugar levels even when given a high-fat diet following treatment.
The localized delivery of the therapy is expected to require only minimal doses, which the company believes could enhance safety in humans. However, experts caution that such genetic modifications might be irreversible and could pose long-term risks to the pancreas, an organ critical for regulating blood sugar.
RenBio is taking a different route by injecting DNA instructions in a saline solution directly into muscle tissue. The muscles are then stimulated using short electrical pulses to facilitate the uptake of these instructions. In animal trials, mice receiving this treatment lost around 15 percent of their body weight and exhibited improved blood sugar regulation, maintaining their new weight for over a year.
Rajagopalan expressed optimism about the timeline for human trials, aiming for data within the next year. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the challenges ahead, comparing the complexity of bringing this therapy to market to the ambitious goal of colonizing Mars.
Impact on Healthcare and Accessibility
These developments come at a time when the Trump administration has announced significant discounts on GLP-1 medications, aiming to make them more accessible to the public. As the healthcare landscape shifts, the potential for gene therapy to provide a more sustainable and effective solution could revolutionize how obesity and its associated health conditions are treated.
As research progresses, the scientific community remains vigilant regarding the safety and efficacy of these treatments. The journey from animal trials to human application involves rigorous testing and regulatory approval, ensuring that any new therapy is both effective and safe for widespread use. While the road ahead is long, the pursuit of innovative solutions to obesity and metabolic disorders holds promise for transforming public health outcomes in the coming years.
