Teams identify GFRAL as target for obesity

In three separate papers published in Nature Medicine on Monday, researchers at Novo Nordisk A/S (CSE:NOVOB; NYSE:NVO), Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY) and the Janssen Research & Development LLC unit of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) each identified GDNF family receptor alpha like (GFRAL) as a high-affinity receptor for growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), suggesting it could be targeted to treat obesity.

Elevated serum levels of GDF15 have been associated with weight loss in humans, though its receptor was unknown. Aveo Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:AVEO) has AV-380, an antibody against GDF15, in preclinical development to treat cachexia...