Velneperit

Velneperit is a drug candidate that was developed by Shionogi for the treatment of obesity. It is a selective neuropeptide Y receptor antagonist, specifically targeting the Y4 subtype.

History

Velneperit was first synthesized by Shionogi, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, in the early 2000s. The drug was developed as part of a larger effort to find effective treatments for obesity, a growing global health concern.

Mechanism of Action

Velneperit works by blocking the Y4 subtype of the neuropeptide Y receptor. Neuropeptide Y is a neurotransmitter that is involved in a variety of physiological processes, including appetite regulation. By blocking the Y4 receptor, Velneperit is thought to reduce appetite and promote weight loss.

Clinical Trials

Velneperit has undergone several phases of clinical trials. In early trials, the drug showed promise in reducing body weight in obese patients. However, later trials revealed potential side effects, including nausea and abdominal discomfort. As of now, the drug has not been approved for use by any major regulatory bodies.

Potential Applications

If approved, Velneperit could be used as a treatment for obesity. The drug could also potentially be used in the treatment of other conditions related to appetite regulation, such as eating disorders.

See Also

• Obesity
• Neuropeptide Y
• Clinical trials
• Shionogi