Latest news with #thermogenesis
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
PhenQ Updates 2025 Formula With Strongest OTC Appetite Suppressant Profile and Clinically Studied Craving Support Ingredients
Now Reformulated With InnoSlim®, α-Lacys Reset®, and Capsimax® to Support Multi-Pathway Metabolic Function Without a Prescription Austin, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Section 1 – Introduction As public discourse around weight management increasingly centers on metabolic wellness and lifestyle sustainability, interest in ingredient transparency and multi-pronged dietary support has grown significantly. Search trends across wellness communities indicate a shift from short-term diet strategies to long-view approaches that integrate energy regulation, appetite balance, and metabolic efficiency. Consumers are more likely to seek out formulas that address more than one aspect of weight control—especially those that avoid extreme stimulant profiles or single-function targeting. This behavioral shift has coincided with broader public interest in natural compounds supported by nutritional research, such as amino acids, botanicals, and metabolism-supporting minerals. In particular, ingredients that can be framed within the context of thermogenesis, satiety, and nutritional synergy are gaining traction. As a result, consumer demand continues to evolve toward formulations that offer multi-targeted mechanisms using non-synthetic, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compounds. In response to these developments, formulations that were once labeled 'fat burners' are being reevaluated under broader criteria—namely, how they fit into non-clinical, whole-body support frameworks without promising weight loss as a singular outcome. Brands operating in this space are adjusting messaging and formulation strategies to meet heightened scrutiny around claims, sourcing, and ingredient function transparency. For more information about PhenQ's updated formulation and full ingredient profile, visit the official website Section 2 – Product Announcement or Update PhenQ has announced an updated 2025 formulation of its non-prescription weight management system, designed to align with shifting consumer expectations for ingredient integrity and multi-mechanism nutritional support. This latest version of the product reinforces its core structure around five key wellness pathways: thermogenic activation, fat storage moderation, appetite regulation, mood support, and metabolic energy balance. The proprietary blend remains anchored by α-Lacys Reset®, a patented compound combining alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium, and cysteine base. Recent research continues to frame this ingredient as a catalyst for thermogenic activity and metabolic responsiveness, without relying on excessive stimulant content. The brand's decision to retain α-Lacys Reset® underscores a science-forward approach to addressing metabolic function using nutritionally supported compounds. Additional adjustments to the formulation include expanded concentrations of traditional metabolism-assisting agents such as Capsimax® powder, natural caffeine, and chromium picolinate. These ingredients have remained popular within weight management circles not for their standalone impact, but for their role within comprehensive nutritional strategies that prioritize satiety, energy production, and micronutrient replenishment. The updated formulation also introduces InnoSlim®, a patented blend of ginseng and astragalus, which is gaining visibility for its role in supporting glucose metabolism and carbohydrate absorption. Together with iodine, B-vitamins, and L-carnitine fumarate, these additions provide nutritional diversity intended to complement modern wellness habits without necessitating disruptive lifestyle changes. PhenQ continues to frame its positioning within the non-clinical category, emphasizing that its formulation is not a treatment protocol but rather a supportive approach to general metabolic wellness. In line with current market preferences, the updated product contains no synthetic fat-blockers, no hormonal agents, and no ingredients classified as controlled substances. It is manufactured in GMP-certified facilities in the U.S. and U.K., using raw materials that meet quality assurance and regulatory thresholds applicable to the nutritional supplement category. This update reflects PhenQ's broader effort to participate in the global transition toward transparent, non-promissory wellness solutions that emphasize functional synergy over one-dimensional outcomes. Section 3 – Consumer Trend Overview Over the past several years, consumer search behavior surrounding weight management supplements has steadily migrated toward holistic, ingredient-conscious products. This shift reflects a broader interest in addressing multiple factors influencing body composition, such as appetite cues, metabolic output, and emotional resilience during calorie-restricted phases. Data drawn from digital wellness communities, search engine queries, and public forums suggest that buyers are placing greater emphasis on transparency and ingredient credibility than on dramatic claims or isolated outcomes. As skepticism grows toward overstated weight loss advertisements, conversations have increasingly focused on understanding what individual ingredients do within the broader context of metabolism. This includes a move away from traditional fat-burning stimulants toward botanical compounds and cofactor nutrients that support the body's natural energy processes without pushing physiological extremes. One emerging theme within consumer discourse is the demand for formulas that consider long-term sustainability. For instance, users are more likely to engage with products that support thermogenesis, mood balance, and fatigue reduction as part of a lifestyle plan rather than isolated 'quick fixes.' These preferences are especially prominent among wellness-oriented audiences who value dietary autonomy, ingredient traceability, and scientific support over trend-based marketing. PhenQ's 2025 update appears aligned with these evolving expectations. The decision to highlight ingredient functionality—without centering outcomes or guarantees—places it within the emerging category of non-clinical metabolic support formulations. Rather than categorizing weight management through a purely physical lens, the updated structure acknowledges psychological and behavioral components such as cravings, motivation, and energy consistency. This trend-centric positioning avoids reliance on transactional language and instead contributes to a more nuanced public understanding of how multi-mechanism supplements may complement existing wellness routines. As more consumers seek out metabolic support rooted in credible nutrition science, the demand for well-rounded, stimulant-moderated solutions is expected to continue growing. Consumers seeking detailed ingredient sourcing, manufacturing practices, and research references may visit official website for additional information. Section 4 – Ingredient or Technology Spotlight The 2025 PhenQ formulation is structured around a series of recognizable and increasingly studied natural ingredients, each selected for its contribution to multi-pathway metabolic support. Central to the formula is α-Lacys Reset®, a patented compound combining alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), magnesium, and cysteine base. This ingredient has been examined in placebo-controlled clinical contexts for its potential to activate thermogenesis and influence body composition markers within the parameters of non-prescription supplementation. α-Lacys Reset® is joined by Capsimax® powder, a highly bioavailable form of concentrated capsaicinoids derived from chili peppers. Research surrounding this ingredient highlights its role in increasing thermogenic efficiency and metabolic expenditure, while also providing digestive tract tolerance compared to raw pepper extracts. Its use has become widespread in formulations that seek to support heat production without relying on high doses of stimulants. Another key component is chromium picolinate, a trace mineral with a long-standing presence in dietary supplements. While not associated with weight loss as a standalone agent, chromium is often cited in nutrition literature for its involvement in glucose metabolism and its reported influence on carbohydrate-related cravings. Its inclusion in PhenQ's formulation supports the product's emphasis on appetite regulation and micronutrient synergy. The updated version of PhenQ also includes InnoSlim®, a proprietary blend of Panax notoginseng and Astragalus membranaceus. Recent studies have framed this ingredient as a potential modulator of AMPK pathways and carbohydrate absorption rates. InnoSlim® is becoming a frequent addition to formulas positioned within blood sugar awareness and metabolic health categories. Additional ingredients such as nopal cactus and L-carnitine fumarate contribute to the formula's nutritional profile. Nopal, a fibrous cactus traditionally consumed in various cultures, has been associated with satiety and lipid-binding activity in digestive contexts. L-carnitine, an amino acid compound found in red meat and plant-based sources, is commonly used in nutritional protocols aimed at supporting energy metabolism and recovery. Collectively, these ingredients reflect a formulation philosophy that prioritizes synergistic activity and scientific credibility over bold outcome promises or single-compound dependence. Section 5 – User Journey Narrative / Market Reception As metabolic health continues to receive attention in digital wellness spaces, public curiosity around multi-action supplements like PhenQ has remained steady. Social media forums, community discussion threads, and independent blogs reflect an ongoing interest in products that aim to simplify the experience of managing appetite, mood, and energy — all without the complications associated with pharmaceutical interventions or overly stimulant-heavy alternatives. What distinguishes PhenQ's market positioning is its communication style, which avoids exaggerated results and instead centers around science-informed transparency. Across various digital channels, users frequently raise questions about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing integrity, and whether a given formula complements modern wellness routines — particularly for those pursuing health improvements without restrictive diet regimens or clinical oversight. The company's updated formulation and messaging strategy appear to resonate with these inquiries. Rather than promoting a singular path to weight loss, the updated formula is structured to reflect broader consumer themes, including the desire for satiety support, energy normalization, and formulation diversity. The addition of ingredients such as InnoSlim® and B-vitamins addresses increasing demand for micronutrient optimization and support for metabolic pathways often disrupted by caloric deficit or lifestyle changes. In discussions around natural supplements, audiences increasingly prioritize how a product fits into a larger picture of emotional consistency and sustainable energy, especially in contrast to 'quick burn' formulations that rely heavily on caffeine or unverified compounds. The fact that PhenQ includes commonly understood ingredients like L-carnitine, magnesium, and caffeine — but in modulated, complementary concentrations — contributes to its positioning as an integrative rather than transformative option. This framing, combined with a formula that does not require a prescription and is manufactured under GMP conditions, continues to support its relevance among consumers seeking nutritional autonomy. Rather than emphasizing a transactional promise of transformation, PhenQ appears to contribute to a more moderate and sustainable public dialogue on wellness supplements that support—rather than replace—healthy lifestyle practices. Interested individuals can find formulation disclosures and regulatory information via PhenQ's official website. Section 6 – Availability and Transparency Statement PhenQ's updated formulation is available through its official platform, where consumers can review detailed ingredient information, third-party sourcing disclosures, and manufacturing standards. The product is manufactured in facilities that meet current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certification standards in both the United States and United Kingdom, with raw ingredients selected according to internal quality assurance protocols. As part of its transparency commitment, PhenQ provides accessible documentation for its trademarked compounds such as α-Lacys Reset® and InnoSlim®, along with references to publicly available nutritional research supporting the inclusion of individual ingredients. The company emphasizes that its supplement is intended for informational and lifestyle-support purposes only and does not position the product as a treatment or replacement for medical supervision. Individuals interested in metabolic wellness strategies are encouraged to explore educational materials hosted on the PhenQ site, which outline general formulation philosophy, frequently asked questions, and links to peer-reviewed research. No prescription is required for purchase, and the product is available exclusively through the company's designated online retail channels. Section 7 – Final Observations & Industry Context The 2025 update of PhenQ arrives at a time when the supplement industry is undergoing renewed scrutiny and transformation, particularly within the weight management category. As consumer expectations shift from single-purpose diet products to multi-functional wellness solutions, brands are reassessing both how they formulate products and how they communicate ingredient purpose. This evolution marks a broader move away from direct weight loss promises toward formulations that acknowledge the interconnected nature of energy, appetite, and motivation. Across the wellness landscape, ingredients once considered niche—such as alpha-lipoic acid, nopal cactus, and botanical extracts like astragalus—are gaining mainstream attention. The increasing presence of these compounds in consumer conversations suggests a growing interest in plant-based and functional ingredient science, especially when backed by human trials and documented safety profiles. PhenQ's approach reflects a maturing sector that recognizes the importance of transparency, nuanced messaging, and sustainable lifestyle support. Rather than offering a singular solution, the formulation aims to complement a growing range of consumer wellness behaviors, including mindful eating, energy balancing, and non-clinical supplementation. As demand for transparency and scientific literacy rises, the presence of products structured like PhenQ—multi-pathway, non-prescription, and disclosure-focused—signals the industry's broader direction. This includes higher consumer literacy, diversified expectations, and an evolving standard of what constitutes a trustworthy supplement. Section 8 – Public Commentary Theme Summary Public discussions surrounding PhenQ's formulation have generated a range of observations reflecting both interest and critical inquiry. A recurring theme across digital wellness communities is the product's emphasis on combining multiple known ingredients into a single formula, which some individuals view as a time-saving approach to general metabolic support. Others have noted the appeal of stimulant moderation—citing the inclusion of moderate levels of caffeine and an absence of harsher synthetic additives—as aligned with preferences for less disruptive daily routines. Among individuals actively comparing non-prescription supplements, the presence of clinically referenced ingredients such as α-Lacys Reset® and chromium picolinate has been identified as a point of interest. These components, frequently mentioned in scientific literature for their roles in energy metabolism and appetite regulation, are often viewed as more familiar or trusted compared to newer or lesser-known compounds. Conversely, some users have raised questions about the realistic scope of results when using non-clinical supplements. There is ongoing discourse around the limitations of over-the-counter solutions, with particular attention paid to the importance of maintaining lifestyle consistency, including diet and physical activity. This reflects a broader caution in the wellness space—an understanding that no standalone product can substitute for foundational health behaviors. Additionally, public commentary has reflected a desire for more transparent sourcing data, third-party testing disclosures, and clearer long-term usage guidelines. These requests are in line with increasing consumer expectations for traceability and safety, especially in products used over extended periods. Overall, discussion themes suggest that PhenQ is being evaluated primarily for its formulation logic, ingredient familiarity, and alignment with wellness-focused—not outcome-promising—weight management strategies. About PhenQ PhenQ is a U.S.- and U.K.-based wellness brand specializing in non-prescription formulations designed to support metabolic health through ingredient transparency and multi-mechanism nutritional design. Since its initial launch, PhenQ has developed a science-informed product portfolio focused on integrating botanical extracts, essential minerals, and amino acid complexes into accessible, non-clinical supplements. The company's mission centers on empowering individuals to make informed wellness decisions through evidence-aligned formulation and educational transparency. PhenQ does not provide medical treatment or diagnostic services. Its products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and should be used only as part of a broader wellness routine that includes professional healthcare consultation where appropriate. Contact: PhenQ Email: info@ Website: CONTACT: PhenQ Email: info@ Website: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Medscape
26-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Promising Weight-Loss Compound Targets Energy Expenditure
A new weight-loss compound targeting energy expenditure rather than appetite suppression showed early efficacy in a first-in-human study. The compound, SANA (MVD1; Eolo Pharma), activates creatine-dependent thermogenesis, a novel approach to obesity and metabolic disease compared to appetite suppression, explained Eolo Pharma CEO María Pía Garat. 'To our knowledge, SANA is the only small molecule in clinical development that targets this mechanism, and we expect growing interest in this pathway as our data progresses.' SANA has completed phase 1a/b trials, demonstrating safety, tolerability, and early efficacy over 15 days of treatment, she told Medscape Medical News . 'If upcoming phase 2 trials replicate these results and support a clear benefit-risk profile, we believe SANA could potentially reach the market within the next 4-5 years, subject to regulatory pathways and ongoing trial outcomes.' The study was published online in Nature Metabolism . 'Complementary Therapeutic Approach' SANA, a nitroalkene derivative of salicylate, demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of diet-induced obesity and significantly reduced liver steatosis and insulin resistance by enhancing mitochondrial respiration and increasing creatine-dependent energy expenditure in adipose tissue. Unlike glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that are associated with muscle wasting and loss of lean mass, SANA was shown in preclinical models to significantly preserve and at times increase lean muscle mass while reducing fat mass. Specifically, EchoMRI analysis in diet-induced obese mice showed that SANA-treated animals had a greater percentage of lean body mass than control animals, despite substantial fat loss. Based on the accumulated preclinical evidence indicating that the compound might be a suitable first-in-class drug for treatment of obesity and comorbidities, the researchers embarked on a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1a/b study. The trial included a single ascending dose (200-800 mg) cohort of 17 lean volunteers and a multiple ascending dose (200-400 mg) cohort of 24 individuals with obesity. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included pharmacokinetics, tolerability, body weight, and metabolic markers. SANA was shown to be safe and well tolerated at all dose levels, with no serious adverse events reported. In the Phase 1b portion, patients receiving the drug experienced a significant reduction in body weight compared to placebo, along with improvements in fasting glucose and insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR. The metabolic improvements were observed after 2 weeks of treatment and occurred without any significant changes in diet or activity levels. 'SANA introduces a novel and potentially complementary therapeutic approach to obesity and metabolic disease — one that doesn't rely on appetite suppression but instead taps into a previously underutilized biological mechanism, namely, creatine-driven thermogenesis,' Garat said. 'It may also offer an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate GLP-1 therapies or who experience undesirable side effects. Additionally, its oral or subcutaneous dosing flexibility could support patient adherence in real-world settings.' That said, she added, 'As with any first-in-human compound, long-term safety, especially with chronic use, will need to be carefully monitored.' The study had limitations. Although the human results support the notion that SANA may be effective in humans, the trial was designed to test safety and tolerability. 'The efficacy of SANA in humans needs to be further studied in a phase 2 clinical trial, with longer treatment, increased sample number, and extended measurements to validate its efficacy and mechanism of action,' the authors wrote. 'As such, the efficacy results presented here, although promising, are still preliminary and subject to further validation.' The authors had various forms of funding, as detailed in the paper. Multiple authors declared holding shares in Eolo USA and/or serving as advisors to the company.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Slimjaro: Examining the Science and Safety of a Legal Slim Jaro Weight loss Health Formula
SlimjaroJacksonville, FL, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Weight loss is a humongous challenge that many people struggle with. Lack of motivation to continue a healthy lifestyle, diet, exercise, and hormonal imbalance, pave the path for weight loss supplements for an obese person. SlimJaro emerged as a trending fruitful and healthy weight loss product. It offers the perfect blend of natural ingredients, providing sustainable, long-lasting, and safe results. The main formula behind SlimJaro SlimJaro is a combination of potent ingredients that come from nature. Those powerful ingredients with their potent combination stimulate the thermogenesis process and reduce cell inflammation to support healthy weight loss. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM targets cell inflammation. Inflammation slows down metabolism, makes the body insulin and insulin resistant, and slows down the metabolism process. MSM profoundly targets these issues. Arnica Montana: It is filled with an abundance of essential nutrients that promotes metabolic function. Ginger Root Powder: It stimulates key function of this supplement i.e thermogenesis. It maximizes calorie burn and supplies an abundance of energy. Similarly, other ingredients such as aloe vera extract, magnesium, and boswellia extra, ganoderma lucidum have been used. These ingredients all together promote healthy gut function, stimulate anti-inflammatory properties, transform glucose into energy and deliver various other healthy methods of weight Features? Inflammation resistant: Inflammation leads to metabolic dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, mitochondria function and other reasons that make you gain weight. Reduction in high inflammation directly makes fat loss and muscle gain. Support Metabolism: With great metabolic function, people do not have to worry about how much they are eating. SlimJaro with enhancing metabolic rate supports high-calorie burn and improves digestion and gut health. Slimjaro Launching Extensive growth in the medical field has not only remarkably made the weight loss industry boom but people have also become very conscious about what they are putting in their body. White hundreds of weight loss supplements are out there many have jeopardized clinical tests and ingredients. SlimJaro stands out alone with revealing all the natural ingredients included, formulation and science behind it. It fulfills industry trends along with traditional and researched methods of weight lossPotential benefits of SlimJaro Reduces metabolic energy emotional eating. Etc. Guidance for users This product is evidently designed for adults. Those who have medical history, recent surgery, having a case of pregnancy or post pregnancy are not allowed to use this product without provider consultation. SlimJaro is clinically approved for safe and secure results but little discomfort like gastric discomfort and feeling thirsty are some minor results. These issues are temporary and tend to vanish in a few days only. Conclusion Weight loss has become highly important especially after the rising number of heart attacks and related issues. People are looking for a healthy and natural method of weight loss and SlimJaro is fulfilling that need. It targets thermogenesis, metabolic function, inflammation and gut issues which directly influence weight. With all scientific evidence and trials, this product has shifted the choice of people from chemical imbue ingredients to natural ones. Media Details Company website: Contact: SlimJaro Email: prmedia@ Customer service hotline: +1.833.746.5587 Address: PO Box 90129, Lakeland, FL 33804, USA Attachment Slimjaro CONTACT: Company website: Contact: SlimJaro Email: prmedia@ Customer service hotline: +1.833.746.5587 Address: PO Box 90129, Lakeland, FL 33804, USASign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Eolo Pharma Publishes First-in-Human Study in Nature Metabolism on Novel Obesity Drug Activating Energy-Burning Pathway
- New data show clinical safety and early efficacy of SANA, a first-in-class compound that targets creatine-dependent thermogenesis MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eolo Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies for obesity and metabolic disease, today announced the publication of its first-in-human study in Nature Metabolism, highlighting the safety, tolerability, and early efficacy of its lead compound, SANA (salicylic acid nitroalkene), also known as MVD1. The peer-reviewed article, titled 'A nitroalkene derivative of salicylate, SANA, induces creatine-dependent thermogenesis and promotes weight loss,' establishes SANA as the first therapeutic candidate to safely and pharmacologically activate creatine-dependent thermogenesis in humans, using a unique mechanism of action that increases energy expenditure rather than suppressing appetite. This novel approach offers a potential combination approach or monotherapy alternative to currently marketed GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are associated with muscle loss and gastrointestinal side effects. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 1a/b study, healthy lean individuals and participants with obesity received oral SANA for 15 days. The trial included a single ascending dose (SAD) cohort of 17 healthy volunteers and a multiple ascending dose (MAD) cohort of 24 individuals with obesity. The trial demonstrated that SANA was safe and well tolerated at all dose levels, with no serious adverse events reported. In the Phase 1b portion, patients receiving SANA experienced a statistically significant reduction in body weight compared to placebo, along with improvements in fasting glucose and insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR. These metabolic improvements were observed after just two weeks of treatment and occurred without any significant changes in diet or activity levels. In addition, unlike currently marketed GLP-1 receptor agonists which are associated with muscle wasting and loss of lean mass, SANA was shown in preclinical models to significantly preserve and even increase lean muscle mass while reducing fat mass. EchoMRI analysis in diet-induced obese mice revealed that SANA-treated animals had a greater percentage of lean body mass compared to controls, despite substantial fat loss. These effects are attributed to SANA's unique mechanism of action of enhancing creatine-dependent thermogenesis and mitochondrial respiration in adipose tissue without reducing food intake. 'This is the first time a drug has been shown to pharmacologically activate creatine-based thermogenesis, which could lead to a novel therapeutic approach for obesity in humans,' said Carlos Escande, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder, Eolo Pharma and senior author of the study. 'It opens up an entirely new therapeutic pathway for obesity and metabolic disorders, complementary to GLP-1 therapies but targeting the body's ability to burn energy, and not just suppressing appetite.' 'SANA is the result of over a decade of rigorous science in Latin America that has the potential to reshape how we treat obesity and insulin resistance,' said María Pía Garat, CEO and Co-Founder, Eolo Pharma. 'We're proud to be the first biotech in South America to take a first-in-class small molecule from discovery into the clinic. We're looking forward to advancing this novel, first-in-class therapy in clinical trials for patients who need safer, more effective options to treat obesity.' Eolo Pharma plans to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials in 2025 to evaluate SANA's long-term safety and efficacy as both a standalone and combination therapy for metabolic disease. About SANA SANA (salicylic acid nitroalkene) is a first-in-class, orally administered small molecule that increases energy expenditure by activating creatine-dependent thermogenesis, a natural heat-generating mechanism in cells. In both animal and human studies, SANA has demonstrated the ability to reduce weight, improve glucose control, and reverse insulin resistance, offering a novel mechanism for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders. The compound is being developed for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases. About Eolo Pharma Eolo Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing first-in-class small molecule therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. The company's research focuses on targeting underexplored metabolic pathways to increase energy expenditure and improve insulin sensitivity. Its lead candidate, SANA, is the first compound shown to pharmacologically activate creatine-dependent thermogenesis in humans. The company is based in Montevideo, Uruguay. For more information visit Media Contact Kimberly Ha KKH Advisors 917-291-5744 while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
WIRED
16-06-2025
- Health
- WIRED
A New Obesity Pill May Burn Fat Without Suppressing Appetite
Jun 16, 2025 5:00 AM An investigational drug developed by Eolo Pharma is showing promise in animal experiments and an early human trial. It could eventually be an alternative or add-on to popular GLP-1 medications. An experimental obesity pill that works in a different way from the wildly popular Ozempic may help people lose weight, according to results from a small, preliminary human trial. Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs reduce food intake by stimulating a feeling of fullness. They act on the brain to promote satiety and on the gut to slow the movement of food through the stomach, helping people feel full longer. As a result, people on the drugs lose weight because they eat less. But a new drug may be able to burn energy, and thus fat, without reducing appetite. In a Phase I trial described today in the journal Nature Metabolism, the drug led to statistically significant weight loss in participants after two weeks. Dubbed SANA, the drug is derived from salicylate, a compound used to make aspirin. Developed by Eolo Pharma of Montevideo, Uruguay, it activates a pathway called creatine-dependent thermogenesis. Creatine is perhaps best known as a nutritional supplement taken after exercise to help build muscle mass, but the compound also occurs naturally in the human body and is important for energy production. 'It has been known for a long time that creatine has good effects on metabolism,' says Carlos Escande, cofounder and chief scientific officer of Eolo. In the 1970s, researchers found that rats exposed to cold used a lot of creatine. It wasn't until a decade ago that a Harvard team found that creatine is used in fatty adipose tissue during exposure to cold to generate heat. The process of burning energy and generating heat to maintain a stable internal temperature is known as thermogenesis. Creatine-dependent thermogenesis refers to how the breaking down of creatine, particularly in fat cells, contributes to this heat and energy production. 'What we have found is that our compound stimulates this creatine-dependent heat production pathway,' Escande says. In the first part of the trial, Eolo scientists randomly assigned 17 healthy-weight individuals to receive either a placebo or a single pill of SANA at a low, medium, or high dose. At all doses, the drug was safe and well-tolerated with no serious side effects. In the second part of the trial, they tested the drug in 24 participants with obesity for 15 days. Volunteers were randomly sorted into three groups to receive either a placebo or a low, medium, or high dose of SANA twice a day for the length of the study. Each group had six people taking the drug and two on a placebo. During the study period, participants stayed at a clinical facility where they received high-carbohydrate meals. At the end of the two weeks, the participants taking the highest dose of SANA showed weight loss of about 3 percent, which is comparable to the weight loss seen in people taking Ozempic and Wegovy over the same period of treatment. They were also asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding appetite and satiety, and none reported decreased appetite or satiety. While injected GLP-1 drugs are incredibly effective at spurring weight loss, they also come with some downsides. There can be gastrointestinal side effects and loss of muscle mass. The drugs are also expensive, at $1,000 a month or more in the US before insurance. Drug companies are interested in developing anti-obesity pills because of their relatively cheap cost to manufacture compared to injectables, and the fact that some patients would prefer to take a pill. 'There's still an unmet clinical need, and that's where Eolo wants to help,' says María Pía Garat the company's CEO. Eolo didn't exactly set out to make a weight-loss pill. Researchers at the company were originally trying to develop a drug to target inflammation, especially the kind that occurs in obesity and type 2 diabetes. But when they started testing their experimental drug in mice, it not only improved inflammation but also led to a reduction in body weight while they were on a high-fat diet. They have performed experiments out to nine months and found that the mice eventually dropped to their starting weight even while they were still eating the same, high-fat diet. In mice, SANA also preserved lean muscle mass. MRI scans show that mice treated with SANA had a greater percentage of lean body mass compared to controls, despite substantial fat loss. 'We've had stimulants before to try to increase your caloric output,' says Hans Schmidt, chief of bariatric surgery and co-director for the Center for Weight Loss and Metabolic Health at Hackensack University Medical Center, who wasn't involved in the study. One of those was the drug combination fenfluramine-phentermine, known as fen-phen, which was sold in the 1990s for weight loss but was taken off the market for causing heart damage. 'Those work on overall metabolism. They make you jittery, make you energized. This seems to work specifically at a cellular level on your fat cells,' he says. Of course, Eolo's study was very small, and the drug will need to be tested in more people to better understand its effects. The company is planning a Phase II trial later this year that will include around 100 participants with obesity and follow them for 12 weeks. They hope to conduct that trial in the United States. Garat thinks Eolo's drug could eventually be used as a stand-alone approach or in combination with GLP-1 drugs to produce more weight loss. 'Right now we are bringing a backhoe to the construction site when we need many more tools. We need more mechanisms like this that work on pathways other than appetite,' says Angela Fitch, former president of the Obesity Medicine Association and the cofounder and chief medical officer of Knownwell, a primary care company specializing in obesity care. Fitch is not involved with Eolo. Current GLP-1s can achieve up to 20 percent weight loss, and while that may be enough for some patients, others may still need to lose more to get to a healthy weight. 'New medications,' she says, 'present the opportunity to make an even greater impact.'
