Barcelona scientists identify protein to reduce obesity, challenging Ozempic

Scientists at Barcelona's Institute for Research in Biomedicine have identified a protein that helps reduce obesity without lowering food intake. Experts have found that the protein Neuritin 1 is also produced in brown adipose tissue and acts as a powerful driver of energy expenditure and metabolic health.

The protein was previously linked to the nervous system. Unlike current anti-obesity and antidiabetic drugs, such as Ozempic, which work by suppressing appetite, it boosts energy burning without affecting food intake.

"By increasing the levels of Neuritin 1 specifically in brown fat, we observed that the animals burned more energy, which helped prevent fat accumulation," Antonio Zorzano, co-leader of the research, said.

This metabolic boost led to significant improvements in several health indicators, including reduced weight gain, improved insulin sensitivity, and lower liver inflammation, even in animals fed high-calorie diets.

Experts have tested the protein in mice, which showed a sustained increase in metabolic activity without affecting food consumption or physical activity. 

"These findings point to Neuritin 1 as a promising therapeutic candidate for treating obesity and its associated conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, through a mechanism that differs from current approaches," Manuela Sánchez-Feutrie, another co-leader of the research, highlighted.