An innovative weight-loss medication called SANA has shown promising results in early trials, offering hope in the fight against obesity. Obesity is a significant health challenge globally, leading to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and increased healthcare costs. While lifestyle changes and improved diets are crucial, they may not always be sufficient once obesity has set in. New drugs like GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide, have emerged as effective treatments. However, researchers are exploring alternatives or complementary therapies to further enhance results and minimize side effects. One such alternative may be a newly developed compound named SANA, a derivative of the common pain-reliever salicylate, known as the ancestor of aspirin.
Originally designed to combat inflammation, a key factor in obesity-related illnesses, SANA unexpectedly prevented mice from gaining weight in early experiments, even when fed high-fat diets. Encouraged by positive results in preclinical tests and initial clinical trials, researchers are gearing up to assess the compound’s efficacy in obese patients later this year. Animals given SANA alongside their food did not become obese, while those already obese experienced significant weight loss within weeks, along with improvements in liver fat levels and insulin sensitivity.
What sets SANA apart from other weight-loss medications is its unique mechanism of action in activating thermogenesis, the body’s process of generating heat to burn calories. Unlike traditional methods involving a protein called UCP1, SANA triggers thermogenesis using creatine instead, even in the absence of UCP1. This distinct mechanism targets fat tissue, reducing the risk of overheating and cardiovascular strain often associated with older thermogenic drugs. Clinical trials on human volunteers have shown promising results, with participants tolerating SANA well and experiencing improved insulin resistance and weight loss within a short period.
SANA has the potential to revolutionize obesity treatment as a member of a new class of drugs, potentially complementing existing therapies like GLP-1 agonists. Its novel mechanism of action allows it to synergize with drugs like semaglutide, enhancing overall weight-loss outcomes.
Metabolism tends to slow down when dieting. Marcelo Mori from the Institute of Biology at the State University of Campinas suggests that combining a molecule that suppresses appetite with another that boosts caloric expenditure could help prevent the plateau effect experienced by many dieters. Mori explains that unlike GLP-1 drugs, which can lead to muscle loss in elderly users, SANA specifically targets fat without affecting muscle mass, making it a promising alternative.
Research shows that SANA protects against glucose intolerance and liver steatosis in response to DIO. This is due to the nitroalkene chemical group attached to salicylate in SANA, which activates beneficial pathways related to energy production in cells. Further studies have revealed that SANA enhances mitochondrial respiration and the creatine cycle in adipose tissue, crucial for its success in promoting weight loss.
Carlos Escande from the Pasteur Institute in Montevideo notes positive results from a phase 1 clinical trial of SANA, but stresses the need for larger studies to confirm its effectiveness and safety. Future plans include progressing to phase 2 trials to assess SANA’s impact on a wider population. If successful, SANA could revolutionize obesity treatment by providing a safer and more efficient method for managing weight and metabolic health.
By harnessing the body’s natural heat-generating processes in a targeted and safe way, SANA offers new hope to those struggling with obesity, potentially transforming the way this condition is treated.
