Promising Phase 1 clinical trials reveal a groundbreaking drug that effectively reduced weight and fat mass in obese mice without affecting their appetite. The drug targets astrocytes, brain cells responsible for regulating body weight by influencing specific neurons. Researchers found that astrocytes release an inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA, which hampers the activity of GABRA5 neurons that control weight. By blocking GABA production in astrocytes with the drug KDS2010, GABRA5 neurons function normally, leading to weight loss. If human trials prove successful, this novel approach could revolutionize obesity treatment by allowing weight loss without compromising appetite, offering hope in the global fight against obesity.
