A PYY-IgG conjugate for obesity

INDICATION: Obesity

Mouse and non-human primate studies suggest a PYY-IgG conjugate could help treat obesity. The fusion protein consists of a 33-amino acid PYY fragment that promotes satiation linked to an IgG mAb clone derived from human germline for enhanced serum stability. In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, the conjugate decreased body weight and blood glucose levels compared with no treatment. In a rhesus macaque model of obesity, the conjugate decreased food intake and body weight, and the conjugate plus liraglutide decreased food intake compared with the conjugate alone. Next steps by the Janssen Research & Development LLC unit of Johnson & Johnson could include testing the conjugate in additional models of obesity...