Adipotide

Adipotide (also known as Prohibitin-Targeting Peptide 1 or FTPP) is an experimental, synthetic peptide that was investigated as a potential anti-obesity and anti-cancer drug. Its mechanism of action involves targeting and inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the blood vessels that supply white fat tissue.

Key Information
Mechanism of Action: Adipotide is designed to bind to specific protein receptors (prohibitin and ANXA2) found on the surface of endothelial cells in the vasculature of white adipose tissue. Once bound, it triggers the targeted cell death, or apoptosis, of these blood vessel cells. Without an adequate blood supply, the surrounding fat cells die off and are reabsorbed by the body's immune system, leading to a reduction in fat mass.

Research and Trials:
--Preclinical studies in obese mice and rhesus monkeys demonstrated significant weight loss, a reduction in body mass index and abdominal circumference, and improved insulin resistance.

--A Phase I clinical trial in humans (specifically in obese prostate cancer patients) was initiated by MD Anderson Cancer Center in partnership with Arrowhead Research Corporation.

--Current Status: As of 2019, clinical development of Adipotide for obesity has been discontinued.

Research Tool: Despite discontinuation of human clinical trials, Adipotide remains a valuable research tool for studying selective tissue ablation, vascular targeting, and the roles of adipose tissue in metabolic dysfunction, angiogenesis, and oncology.