AZD2820

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AZD2820 is an investigational drug developed by AstraZeneca for the potential treatment of obesity. It is a peptide-based compound that acts as an agonist of the ghrelin receptor, also known as the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). The drug was designed to modulate appetite and energy balance by mimicking the action of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger.

Mechanism of Action

AZD2820 functions by binding to the ghrelin receptor, which is predominantly expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Ghrelin is known as the "hunger hormone" because it increases food intake and promotes fat storage. By acting as a ghrelin receptor agonist, AZD2820 was hypothesized to influence appetite regulation and energy homeostasis.

Clinical Development

AZD2820 was evaluated in early-phase clinical trials to assess its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. The trials aimed to determine the drug's effect on appetite and weight management in individuals with obesity. However, the development of AZD2820 was discontinued due to insufficient efficacy in achieving the desired weight loss outcomes.

Research and Implications

The study of AZD2820 contributed to the understanding of ghrelin receptor agonists in the context of obesity treatment. Although AZD2820 did not progress to later stages of clinical development, research in this area continues to explore alternative strategies for modulating the ghrelin pathway.

Also see

• Ghrelin
• Obesity treatment
• AstraZeneca
• Growth hormone secretagogue receptor