Project Details
Description
Objectives
Estimate the efficacy of artesunate treatment on body weight changes in people with obesity
Hypothesis
A wide range of therapeutics exist for the continuous management of obesity. However, a large proportion of these drugs offer modest effects on weight reduction and are associated with adverse effects. In our recent study (Nature Communications, 2024), we identified that artesunate (ART), an FDA-approved treatment for severe malaria, can be repurposed for the treatment of obesity in various animal models with obesity, including mice with overnutrition-induced obesity and monkeys with spontaneous obesity, without the induction of overt side effects. We further demonstrated that ART suppresses appetite and reduces weight gain by modulating the Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) - GDNF family receptor α-like (GFRAL) signaling. Nonetheless, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of ART in treating people with obesity are unknown.
Design and subjects
In the pilot study, 72 participants will be recruited with a body mass index ≥ 25 and will be randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio to either the ART or the placebo group.
Study instruments
Data will be collected using a questionnaire, physiological observation, and blood test.
Interventions
ART or placebo will be orally administered at 0.56mg/kg every day for 16 weeks.
Main outcome measures
BMI reduction and improvement of the metabolic profile in patients with obesity after ART treatment.
Data analysis and expected results
ART could be repurposed as an anti-obesity treatment for patients with obesity. Student’s t-test and ANOVA will be performed for data analysis.
Estimate the efficacy of artesunate treatment on body weight changes in people with obesity
Hypothesis
A wide range of therapeutics exist for the continuous management of obesity. However, a large proportion of these drugs offer modest effects on weight reduction and are associated with adverse effects. In our recent study (Nature Communications, 2024), we identified that artesunate (ART), an FDA-approved treatment for severe malaria, can be repurposed for the treatment of obesity in various animal models with obesity, including mice with overnutrition-induced obesity and monkeys with spontaneous obesity, without the induction of overt side effects. We further demonstrated that ART suppresses appetite and reduces weight gain by modulating the Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) - GDNF family receptor α-like (GFRAL) signaling. Nonetheless, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of ART in treating people with obesity are unknown.
Design and subjects
In the pilot study, 72 participants will be recruited with a body mass index ≥ 25 and will be randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio to either the ART or the placebo group.
Study instruments
Data will be collected using a questionnaire, physiological observation, and blood test.
Interventions
ART or placebo will be orally administered at 0.56mg/kg every day for 16 weeks.
Main outcome measures
BMI reduction and improvement of the metabolic profile in patients with obesity after ART treatment.
Data analysis and expected results
ART could be repurposed as an anti-obesity treatment for patients with obesity. Student’s t-test and ANOVA will be performed for data analysis.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 1/09/25 → 31/08/28 |
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