Adipotide (also known as FTPP or Prohibitin-Targeting Peptide 1) is an experimental synthetic peptide engineered to induce targeted weight loss by destroying the blood supply to white adipose tissue.
Mechanism of Action
Adipotide is a “hunter-killer” peptide with two distinct functional domains:
- Homing Domain: A sequence (CKGGRAKDC) that selectively binds to receptors—primarily prohibitin-1 and annexin A2—located on the surface of blood vessels (endothelial cells) that specifically supply white fat.
- Killer Domain: A pro-apoptotic sequence ((KLAKLAK)₂) that, once internalized into the target cells, disrupts their mitochondrial membranes.
This dual action triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the fat-specific vasculature. Deprived of nutrients and oxygen, the fat cells (adipocytes) eventually die and are reabsorbed by the body.
Research Findings and Benefits
In preclinical studies (primarily in rodents and non-human primates), Adipotide has demonstrated the following effects:
- Significant Weight Loss: Obese rhesus monkeys treated with Adipotide lost approximately 11% to 15% of their body weight over short treatment cycles (roughly 4 weeks).
- Reduced Body Fat: Studies showed up to a 38% reduction in total body fat and a 27% reduction in visceral (abdominal) fat.
- Metabolic Improvement: Independent of weight loss, research noted rapid improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, often within just 2-3 days of treatment.
- Reduced Food Intake: While its primary mechanism is vascular destruction, treated animals also showed a decrease in caloric consumption, potentially due to shifts in hunger hormones like leptin.
Safety and Side Effects
The most significant side effect identified in animal trials is nephrotoxicity (kidney damage).
- Renal Impact: Specifically, it affects the renal proximal tubules. While these changes were largely described as mild and reversible in monkeys, they remain a major concern for human development.
- Other Side Effects: Observed symptoms include mild dehydration and alterations in serum phosphorus and potassium levels.
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