Exciting news for fat people who want to lose weight. Recently, scientists from the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo (IP Montevideo) and the University of the Republic (Udelar), Uruguay, proved that the small molecule SANA can effectively burn fat.
This preclinical research was successfully tested on mice using a method that had not previously been explored. And, the results are promising: safe for humans.
SANA is a world-first in several ways:
- The first small molecule drug produced by South American biotech company Eolo Pharma (founded by the inventor).
- The first drug developed entirely in Uruguay.
"These results open a new therapeutic pathway for obesity and metabolic disorders-one that complements GLP-1 therapy. However, it focuses on increasing the body's energy-burning capacity, rather than simply suppressing appetite," says Carlos Escande, researcher at IP Montevideo and member of Eolo Pharma.
SANA was shown to be safe and well tolerated by humans. Although not the focus of the Phase I trial, it also reduced body mass index (BMI) and blood sugar levels in 44 participants. The group that received the high dose lost an average of 3% of body weight in just two weeks-with no loss of muscle mass-compared to those taking a placebo.
In addition, SANA does not affect appetite and improves fasting glucose and insulin resistance without other interventions. In contrast to GLP-1 therapy, muscle mass is maintained - even increased in preclinical studies in rats.
No serious side effects
Promisingly, no serious side effects were reported during the two weeks, even at the highest dose (800 mg). The long-term impact will be evaluated in later phases of the trial.
"Of course, there are still big challenges, but it is gratifying to see that the human test results follow the same trend as our laboratory models," says Karina Cal, lead author of the study and researcher at IP Montevideo.
As a drug, there are potential risks to the person taking it. Due to its permanent nature, if SANA attaches to non-target proteins, it could trigger unwanted biological changes or immune reactions.
Now, this risk will be further investigated in a Phase II trial (starting late 2025) involving more participants, including people with type 2 diabetes.
"We are proud to be the first biotech company in South America to take a small molecule from design to clinical trials," said Pía Garat, CEO of Eolo Pharma.
"We hope this pioneering therapy can help obese patients around the world," he said.
Source: Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, cited in Nature Metabolism
