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22 August, 2005: Increasing the levels of the molecule Oleoyl estrone (OE) in people who are very overweight may result in significant weight loss according to experts at biotechnology company Manhattan Pharmaceuticals.
Scientists hope that OE a naturally occurring molecule within our own bodies may hold the key to weight loss. At a time when statistics show an increase in obese individuals at a level of 74% since 1991, it is becoming increasingly important to find a treatment for obesity.
Researchers in Barcelona have discovered that the levels of the signaling molecule, OE, coincide with the levels of stored body fat but that this correlation breaks down in morbidly obese individuals.
"The research done evaluating OE levels in the morbidly obese indicates that the majority of patients have lower OE levels than expected for their body mass," said Bina Tejura, the Assistant Chief Medical Officer for Manhattan Pharmaceuticals. "This leads to the possibility that raising OE levels in the obese will suppress appetite and cause weight loss."
Scientists have shown OE regulates appetite and gives the feeling of satiety in animal studies, causing an average weight loss of 12-20% of total weight in pre-clinical trials.
Ongoing clinical trials may show OE as a viable new treatment that is more effective and have fewer side effects than current options, including gastric bypass surgery or drugs on the market today.
PRNewswire
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