Use of glp-1 analogs and derivatives administered peripherally in regulation of obesity

Abstract

This invention relates the use of glucagon-like peptides such as GLP-1, a GLP-1 analog, or a GLP-1 derivative in methods and compositions for reducing body weight.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from co-pending U.S. provisional application 60 / 030,213, filed Nov. 5, 1996. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), analogs and derivatives of GLP-1, in methods and compositions, in particular pharmaceutical formulations, that promote is weight-loss. [0003] Obesity, and especially upper body obesity, is the most common nutritional disorder in the over-nourished populations of the world. Numerous studies indicate that lowering body weight dramatically reduces risk for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, and musculoskeletal diseases. For example, various measures of obesity, including, simple body weight, waist-to-hip ratios, and mesenteric fat depot, are strongly correlated with risk for non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM), also known as type II diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association (1995) about 80% of NI...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Peripheral administration of GLP-1 (7-36) amide to obese patients quite unexpectedly, and contrary to the implications of Turton et al. (1996), causes a significant reduction in body weight. Thus, an aspect of the present invention is a method of reducing body weight which includes preparing a composition having a glucagon-like peptide-1 compound and administering it to a subject. Suitable glucagon-like peptide-1 compounds include GLP-1 GLP-1 analogs, GLP-1 derivatives, agonists of the GLP-1 receptor, agonists of the GLP-1 signal transduction cascade, compounds that stimulate synthesis of endogenous GLP-1, compounds that stimulate release of endogenous GLP-1, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. A pharmaceutically effective dose, that is, a dose sufficient to cause reduction in body weight, is administered.

Problems solved by technology

Current methods for promoting weight loss are not completely satisfactory.

Failure to achieve weight loss by these methods may be due to genetic factors that cause increased appetite, a preference for high-fat foods, or a tendency for lipogenic metabolism.

Unfortunately, an estimated 33 billion dollars a year are spent on weight-loss measures that are largely futile.

Such statements discourage the use of GLP-1 as a composition (pharmaceutical agent) for reducing body weight, because central routes of administration, such as the ICV route, are not feasible for treating obesity in humans.