Targeting Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) for Developing Anti-Obesity Therapeutics
InquiryOverview
With the increasing research on obesity, various hormones, and peptides involved in metabolic regulation have emerged as promising candidates for the treatment of obesity. GLP-1 is secreted from intestinal L-cells and signals through the GLP-1 receptor. Its most prominent role is in pancreatic islets, where it reduces postprandial glucose fluctuations by stimulating insulin release from β-cells through glucose sensitivity. In addition, GLP-1 inhibits glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells in a glucose-dependent manner, thereby removing a barrier to insulin secretion and action. Some longer-acting GLP-1 analogs have been developed that lead to weight loss and have a favorable anti-obesity effect. For this reason, GLP-1 has also become one of the focuses of the anti-obesity therapy research at Protheragen. We leverage the latest research in the field of GLP-1 to provide a customized and innovative GLP-1-targeting anti-obesity therapeutic development service. Our dedication to innovation and efficiency ensures that we are at the forefront of anti-obesity research, providing our clients with the best possible protocols.
Flexible and Personalized GLP-1-Targeting Anti-Obesity Therapy Development Service
With a wealth of experience in anti-obesity drug discovery and high scientific excellence, our researchers carefully design each protocol to best meet our client's research needs. We aim to provide flexible and personalized services to help advance the development of anti-obesity drugs targeting GLP-1. Specific services are listed below:
Anti-Obesity Drug Development
- GLP-1 analogs: GLP-1 analogs, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, are a class of drugs that target the action of enteric insulin by activating the GLP-1 receptor. Their receptors are widely distributed in the skin, nerves, lungs, heart, pancreatic islets, and other organs. Several animal studies have demonstrated that GLP-1 analogs have enhanced pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) compared to natural GLP-1 and are more effective in the treatment or prevention of obesity. We use computer simulation to assist in the design of GLP-1 analogs. This is followed by the synthesis of various GLP-1 analogs using genetic engineering, total, and semi-synthetic techniques. After synthesizing the GLP-1 analogs, we study the beneficial effects of their administration on obesity models and evaluate their safety.
- Genetic engineering technology: We introduce recombinant gene fragments into microorganisms, plants, animals, and other host cells. The target product is expressed.
- Full synthesis technology: The main chain of the intermediate polypeptide is obtained by the chemical synthesis method, and then the obtained polypeptide main chain is used as raw material for further chemical modification.
- Semi-synthetic technology: The main chain of the intermediate peptide is obtained by gene recombination method, and then further modified.
- Co-administration: GLP-1 may also be suitable for combining with other different gastrointestinal peptide hormones for the treatment of diseases such as obesity. In this case, the effects of GLP-1 enhance the effects of the combination partner, which in turn enhances some of the effects of GLP-1. Co-administration of GLP-1 analogs with many different gastrointestinal hormones has been found to have additive or sometimes synergistic effects to improve different aspects of systemic metabolism. For example, a fixed-ratio combination with basal insulin better reduces the risk of hypoglycemia. We also try to co-administer GLP-1 with other compounds and evaluate their efficacy and safety.
- Dual agonists/triple agonists: Studies using obese mice have shown that single-molecule polypharmacology was one of the effective means of tackling various obesity mechanisms. Among them, dual or triple agonists targeting the GLP-1 receptor and other targets may maximize metabolic benefits and minimize side effects, opening up breakthrough avenues for obesity-specific treatment. We also develop multi-targeted drugs and analyze their mechanism of action, therapeutic efficacy, and toxicities.
Preclinical Research
Based on superior expertise and extensive experience in drug evaluation, we offer comprehensive preclinical research services for anti-obesity therapies. Our professional team uses various types of obesity models to evaluate the PD, PK, safety, and other relevant analyses of potential anti-obesity drugs. PK of GLP-1 analogs varies, and dosing regimens may also vary. We also analyze the optimal mode and route of administration of different GLP-1 analogs to maximize the therapeutic effect. Drug discovery and fuelling anti-obesity therapy research are optimized through the most robust drug formulation design.
| Obesity Models | Evaluation of obesity therapies |
|---|---|
Workflow
We are committed to innovative anti-obesity therapeutics research and provide a one-stop service for the development of anti-obesity therapies targeting GLP-1. With a very high level of scientific excellence and extensive drug discovery experience, we help you make critical decisions at all stages of anti-obesity research.
Applications
- Glycemic control: GLP-1 analogs not only have weight loss effects but also play an important role in controlling blood glucose levels. The development of anti-obesity therapies targeting GLP-1 provides new ideas for diabetes therapy research.
- Other obesity-related complications: Anti-obesity therapies targeting GLP-1 may also be a potential treatment strategy for other obesity-related complications.
- Combination therapy: Anti-obesity therapies targeting GLP-1 are also being used to develop therapies in combination with other treatments to enhance their effectiveness.
Advantages
- Our team of experienced researchers is responsible for the development of anti-obesity therapies targeting GLP-1. With their expertise, we support all phases of the study.
- Each step of our experimental process is accompanied by strict quality control measures to ensure the reliability of the results and the anti-obesity therapies targeting GLP-1.
- We interact closely with our clients throughout the development process and communicate project progress promptly. We also provide excellent after-sales service.
Our Comprehensive Services for Obesity Research
| Protheragen analyzes the causes of excessive weight gain from multiple perspectives, including genetics and environment, and provides comprehensive diagnostic testing services using advanced genetic, metabolic, protein, and lipidomics technologies, aiming to address obesity through personalized insights. At the same time, we combine historical health data, lifestyle factors, and AI algorithms to predict obesity risk and provide services such as biomarker identification, gene editing, microbiome research, and obesity pathobiology research. Based on long-term research on obesity and interventions, we help develop targeted intervention strategies to effectively control weight, prevent obesity, and promote long-term health. |
Publication
Technology: Genetic engineering technology
Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology
IF: 3.9
Published: 2023
Results: In the article, the possible mechanisms of action of GLP-1 in causing weight loss and its relationship to obesity are described. Some of the classes of GLP-1 receptor agonists that have been developed. Their safety, and efficacy are summarised. These GLP-1 agonists are classified into short-acting and long-acting formulations according to their duration of action and injection volume. In addition to this, dual or triple agonists targeting GLP-1 receptors and others have been developed. They also show great potential in the treatment of obesity. These will help biomedical researchers to develop GLP-1 receptor agonist-based treatments for obesity.
Fig.1 Some GLP-1 receptor agonists. (Wang, et al., 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of GLP-1 analogs over natural GLP-1?
GLP-1 is therapeutically effective and safe to administer, but has a short circulation time in the body and is easily cleared. Modification of GLP-1 is required to achieve a prolonged duration of drug action, improved bioavailability, and enhanced dosing safety. GLP-1 analogs have many PK characteristics similar to GLP-1. However, through optimization, their PD, PK, and effect of the treatment of obesity are better.
What are the advantages of multi-targeted drugs?
Multi-targeted drugs have predictable PD and PK properties. The synergistic effect of multi-target modulation makes the total effect greater than the sum of the individual effects, resulting in better anti-obesity efficacy and fewer adverse effects. It may have additional advantages over single-targeted drugs for specific obesity treatment.
Protheragen is committed to innovation and continuous advancement in the field of weight loss therapies and provides a high-quality anti-obesity therapy development service targeting GLP-1. We provide state-of-the-art solutions for our clients keeping abreast of the latest research and technology. Welcome to contact us for more details on anti-obesity therapy development targeting GLP-1.
Reference
- Wang, J.Y.; et al. GLP- 1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity: Role as a promising approach. Frontiers in endocrinology. 2023, 14: 1085799.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.