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MEDIA
RELEASE - 9 September,
2004
Researchers
at The University of Queensland are a step closer to developing an
anti-obesity drug.
Researchers
from the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrine Researcher (CDER) have
identified a compound that affects the growth of fat tissue. The
compound has shown positive results in vitro and will now undergo further
testing to indicate if it will be effective in humans.
"The
discovery could revolutionise the treatment of obesity, by offering a way
to block the development of fat cells, rather than just suppressing
appetite," chief investigator Dr Louise Hutley said.
In
contrast to the existing anti-obesity drugs on the market, which are
either appetite suppressants or inhibitors of fat absorption, this novel
approach aims to treat the actual source of obesity and limit the
development of fat cells within the patient, she said.
The CDER
research team, headed by Professor John Prins and Dr Hutley, has been
testing a range of fat-inhibiting compounds since the identification of a
growth factor (FGF-1), which is critical to fat development. A
start-up company, Adipogen Pty Ltd, has been established to commercialise
their discoveries. The next stage of research aimed at further
characterising the efficacy of lead compounds in the treatment of obesity
is expected to be completed within 2 years.
Obesity
is a major cause of death and illness in Western countries. It is
associated with diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
disease. Australian government data shows obesity to be the 5th largest
cause of disease burden in the nation, with a survey in 2000 indicating
that 47% of adults are overweight and 20% obese.
FOR MORE
INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT FACULTY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER MARLENE
MCKENDRY ON (07) 33464713 OR 0401 996847.
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