Scientists have developed a hybrid obesity treatment that uses GLP-1 and GIP signals to deliver a metabolic enhancer directly into cells. Early tests in mice showed greater weight loss and better blood sugar control than standard therapies. The approach aims to reduce side effects by limiting the drug's action to targeted areas.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich created the compound by linking an incretin-based molecule with lanifibranor, a pan-PPAR agonist. The design functions like a Trojan horse, allowing the additional drug to enter cells via GLP-1 or GIP receptors before activating switches that regulate fat and sugar metabolism inside the nucleus.
