MIC-1 and Leptin Combination for Obesity Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling body weight and treating Type 2 diabetes are inadequate, as they fail to effectively address the complex interplay of factors influencing appetite and energy homeostasis, particularly in obese individuals with altered leptin levels.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising MIC-1 and/or active MIC-1 fragments combined with leptin and/or active leptin fragments, administered alone or in combination, to modulate body weight and appetite, specifically targeting subjects with diet-induced obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and related complications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current methods for controlling body weight are used, then treatment is provided, but they fail to effectively address the complex interplay of factors influencing appetite and energy homeostasis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of body weight controlVSAvoidability to address complex interplay of factors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines MIC-1 and leptin into a single composition to simultaneously address multiple factors in body weight control. MIC-1 acts on the hypothalamus to reduce appetite, while leptin regulates energy homeostasis, creating a synergistic effect that overcomes the limitations of single-agent therapies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite therapeutic approach by formulating a composition containing both MIC-1 and leptin. This composite composition allows the two agents to work together to address the complex multifactorial nature of obesity, including appetite regulation and energy expenditure, providing a more comprehensive treatment than individual agents alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If MIC-1 is administered alone, then appetite is reduced, but the effect is insufficient in subjects with altered leptin levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappetite suppression effectVSAvoidconsistency of effect across different leptin levels
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Leptin serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap in MIC-1's effectiveness. By including leptin in the composition, the patent ensures that subjects with altered leptin levels (such as leptin resistance or deficiency) receive the necessary signaling to complement MIC-1's appetite-suppressing effects, thereby ensuring consistent therapeutic outcomes across different patient populations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses variability in leptin levels by incorporating leptin directly into the composition. This allows for controlled delivery of appropriate leptin amounts to subjects with different baseline leptin levels, ensuring that the therapeutic effect of MIC-1 is maintained regardless of the subject's endogenous leptin status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If combination therapy is used, then weight loss is enhanced, but treatment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight loss efficacyVSAvoidtreatment regimen complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges MIC-1 and leptin into a single integrated composition, which simplifies the treatment regimen despite the complexity of the combination therapy. Instead of requiring separate administration of two agents, the unified composition allows for simultaneous delivery of both agents in the correct proportions, reducing the complexity of treatment administration while maintaining the enhanced weight loss efficacy of combination therapy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3551214B1Treatment of obesity and eating disorders
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 ST VINCENTS HOSPITAL SYDNEY
  • EP3551214B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3551214B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4C
  • EP3551214B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C

AI summary

Methods for controlling body weight and/or appetite in a subject are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods involve administering to an overweight or obese subject an effective amount of a first agent comprising MIC-1, a MIC- 1 agonist and/or a MIC-1-inducing agent, and a second agent comprising leptin and/or a leptin agonist, for the purpose of achieving weight loss. In other embodiments, the methods involve administering to an anorexic or cachectic subject an effective amount of a MIC-1-inhibiting agent and a leptin-inhibiting agent, for the purpose of increasing body weight and/or appetite in a subject.