Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers have identified a new hormone dubbed irisin that is induced by exercise and triggers the conversion of white fat to brown-like fat in mice, leading to increased energy expenditure.¹ Ember Therapeutics Inc. has licensed the findings and is generating stabilized versions of irisin in preparation for clinical trials in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

In a separate study, Harvard University researchers have developed a method for converting human pluripotent stem cells into white and brown adipocytes.² The Harvard team is collaborating with Roche to use the cell lines for multiple screens, including looking for molecules that promote brown-like phenotypes in white adipocytes.