Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found a group of nerve cells in the brain stem that control how semaglutide affects appetite and weight. These cells reduce hunger without causing nausea, offering hope for safer obesity treatments.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1R agonist, reduces food intake and body weight. It treats obesity and type 2 diabetes but often causes nausea and muscle loss as side effects.
The new study, published in Cell Metabolism, shows nerve cells that drive semaglutide’s benefits can be separated from those causing side effects. This discovery could lead to better targeted drugs.
Scientists tested the drug on mice, tracking which nerve cells semaglutide activated. Stimulating these cells without the drug led to weight loss and reduced appetite, just like with the drug.
When these nerve cells were destroyed, semaglutide’s effect on appetite and fat loss dropped significantly. However, side effects like nausea and muscle loss remained unchanged.
This means these nerve cells control positive effects but not side effects. Targeting these cells may keep benefits while lowering harmful reactions.
The nerve cells are in the brain’s dorsal vagal complex. This finding not only aids drug development but also expands knowledge on how the brain controls energy balance.
Linda Engström Ruud, a lead researcher, said understanding how semaglutide works is vital. With this knowledge, scientists can improve treatments and explore new uses for GLP-1R drugs.
Semaglutide is being tested for other conditions like substance abuse and neurodegenerative diseases. Better understanding brain effects may unlock even more medical advances.
