- Stanford researchers used AI to discover a natural molecule, BRP, that suppresses appetite and reduces weight like Ozempic but without common side effects such as nausea, constipation, and muscle loss.
- BRP acts specifically in the hypothalamus, offering a more targeted approach to appetite control compared to semaglutide, which affects multiple tissues.
- The AI algorithm Peptide Predictor screened human genes to identify 373 prohormones and 2,683 possible peptides, leading to the discovery of BRP, a 12-amino-acid peptide that strongly activates neuronal cells.
- In animal studies, BRP reduced food intake by up to 50% and promoted fat loss without significant side effects; treated mice showed improved glucose and insulin tolerance.
- The research was published in Nature, and the senior author has co-founded a company planning human clinical trials.