Amylin: Data show Leptin co-administration reduces body weight, body fat in animal studies

By E. Janene Geiss

Philadelphia, June 12 - Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced Saturday study results showing that co-administration of two neurohormones known to have a role in body weight control, amylin (produced by beta cells in the pancreas) and leptin (produced by fat cells), resulted in sustained, fat-specific weight loss in a leptin-resistant animal model of obesity.

These findings were presented at the annual scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Washington, D.C., according to a company news release.

These findings provide preclinical proof-of-concept that amylin can restore leptin responsiveness in obese leptin-resistant animals, officials said.

"The study further demonstrates the potential to treat obesity with a combination therapy that employs multiple weight-regulating neurohormones," Alain Baron, senior vice president of research, said in the release.

The company said a clinical study to further substantiate these results is planned to start later this year.

In leptin-resistant, diet-induced obese rats, co-administration of amylin and leptin resulted in a decrease in food intake and body weight greater than that seen with either hormone.

The amylin plus leptin combination also increased fat oxidation (fat stores used up) and prevented the fall in energy expenditure (calories used up) that is usually expected with weight loss, officials said.

Weight loss occurred due to decreased fat mass, while lean tissue was preserved.

Amylin is a San Diego biopharmaceutical company.

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