Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have made a significant breakthrough in fighting obesity. They have employed nanogel carriers to deliver a medication directly to the fat cells in the livers of obese mice. This innovative approach led to a remarkable reversal of diet-induced diseases in the mice, suggesting a potential solution for combating obesity.
Chemistry and biomedical engineering professor at UMass Amherst S. Thai Thayumanavan said that the mice they treated reduced gained weight without any untoward side effects.
IntelliGels precisely targt specific destinations
Researchers used “IntelliGels” to selectively administer a drug to obese mice. After 10 weeks on a high-sugar, high-fat, high-cholesterol diet doubling their weight, the mice were treated with the drug. Remarkably, within five weeks of treatment, the mice returned to a normal weight, saw reduced cholesterol levels, and resolved liver inflammation, all while still on their high-fat diet.
Prof. Thayumanavan stated that they devised an uncomplicated strategy that employs their exclusive innovation: nanogels with the capability to precisely target specific destinations, which they have termed IntelliGels. These IntelliGels were purposefully crafted for delivering hepatocytes within the liver.
This groundbreaking study provides optimism for individuals facing obesity and associated cardiometabolic conditions. The nanogel delivery technique successfully reversed obesity in mice and holds promise for addressing liver-related ailments. With obesity being widespread, the potential public health benefits are substantial. Cyta Therapeutics, an acclaimed startup, is working to adapt these findings for human use, though further research is required.
Using thyromimetic drugs in treating obesity associated with side effects
Professor Thayumanavan noted that there is still a lot of research and development needed to bridge the gap between mice and humans, with their aspiration being that it may ultimately culminate in a pharmaceutical product.
The use of thyromimetic drugs to treat metabolic conditions, including obesity, has faced challenges in delivering them without side-effects. A recent study used nanogel carriers to overcome this issue, marking a significant advancement in obesity treatment. This highlights the importance of targeted drug delivery and offers hope for addressing the obesity epidemic.
