Tufts University scientists have developed a 4-in-1 weight loss drug combining GLP-1, GIP, glucagon, and PYY. Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, it promises surgery-level results with fewer side effects.
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. But they come with side effects such as nausea, bone loss, and the risk of regaining weight after stopping. Scientists at Tufts University may now have a stronger, longer-lasting alternative.
DID YOU KNOW ?
4-in-1 Drug
Tufts university scientists created a 4-in-1 hormone drug that may deliver surgery-level weight loss while reducing obesity-linked diseases.
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The 4-in-1 Innovation
Tufts chemists, led by Krishna Kumar, have engineered a next-generation compound that blends the power of four different hormones:
GLP-1 – regulates insulin and creates fullness
GIP – enhances satiety and reduces nausea
Glucagon – boosts energy use and suppresses appetite
PYY – curbs hunger and slows digestion
This unique “quadruple-action” drug aims to replicate the dramatic results of bariatric surgery without invasive procedures.
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Why PYY Is the Game-Changer
While existing drugs combine GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, Tufts scientists introduced peptide YY (PYY) into the mix. Secreted after meals, PYY reduces appetite through a different pathway and may help burn fat directly, giving the compound a distinctive edge.
Bariatric surgery can help patients lose up to 30% of body weight—a gold standard current drugs don’t reach. The new four-hormone design could potentially close that gap, offering surgery-level results without the risks and recovery challenges of an operation.
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Beyond Obesity—Fighting Related Diseases
Obesity is linked to over 180 health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease. By acting on multiple hormone receptors, the Tufts drug could do more than reduce weight—it may also help protect against these deadly conditions.
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Tackling Weight Regain and Side Effects
One major drawback of existing GLP-1 drugs is weight rebound after stopping. The Tufts team believes that by targeting four receptors at once, this new drug could provide longer-lasting weight control with reduced risks of muscle and bone loss, while also being more tolerable for patients.
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Published Findings
This breakthrough research has been detailed in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, marking a significant step forward in the fight against obesity and its related diseases.
With clinical trials still ahead, the Tufts 4-in-1 drug represents hope for millions battling obesity worldwide. If successful, it could redefine weight management—delivering powerful, lasting results without surgery.
