Health
Early research shows oral compound reduces weight and preserves muscle in mice
A study in mice indicates that the molecule TOFA stimulates fat burning without curbing appetite, though human safety and efficacy remain unstudied.
The short version
- Researchers led by UC Berkeley discovered that an oral compound called TOFA reduced body weight by an average of 18% in obese mice by increasing energy expenditure rather than suppressing appetite.
- The compound preserved lean muscle mass, mitigated weight regain post-treatment in mice, and improved metabolic markers when combined with existing obesity medications.
- Clinical experts caution that because testing has only been conducted on male mice, future trials must establish human safety, dosage, and whether the drug works in females.
Key facts
- A study published in Science Advances found that the oral compound TOFA reduced body weight in obese mice by an average of 18% without reducing food intake or causing significant loss of lean muscle.[Fox News]
- TOFA functions intracellularly by inhibiting lipid synthesis enzymes and stimulating cellular receptors that promote fat burning, leading treated mice to burn up to 18% more energy.[Fox News]
- Combining TOFA with medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide resulted in larger reductions in body weight and greater improvements in blood sugar, insulin, and triglycerides in mice than individual treatments alone.[Fox News]
- In mouse models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), TOFA decreased liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis without elevating circulating triglyceride levels.[Fox News]
- Several study authors hold affiliations, equity, or leadership roles in ReRx Therapeutics, which holds an option agreement to develop the UC Berkeley discovery.[Fox News]