The next weight-loss drug could be one already familiar to those with asthma and canker sores, according to researchers at the University of Michigan.
Obese mice treated with the drug Amlexanox lost weight and reversed metabolic problems such as diabetes and fatty livers.
The mouse on the right was fed a high-fat diet. The mouse on the left was fed the same high-fat diet, as well as amlexanox.
Courtesy of the U-M Diabetes Center
Research conducted by Dr. Alan Saltiel, director of the Life Sciences Institute at U-M, found the drug inhibits two genes that play a role in metabolism and fat-burning in mice.
Dr. Elif Oral, associate professor of internal medicine and medical director of U-M Health System's Bariatric Surgery Program, is seeking individuals who are obese or have Type 2 diabetes for a new study to test the drug's effects on humans.
Individuals can be on oral diabetes medication and should have a body mass index between 27 and 36. Only 10 people are needed for this stage of the clinical trial.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.