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New Molecule pTOS Shows Promise for Obesity Treatment

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A molecule named pTOS, identified in Burmese pythons, could inform new obesity drugs.
In obese mice, pTOS reduced food intake and achieved about 9% weight loss over 28 days.
pTOS suppresses appetite by acting on the hypothalamus and avoids common side effects like nausea.
Further studies are required before clinical use.
The findings were published in Nature Metabolism, and researchers note that pTOS is naturally present in humans.

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Story summary

A molecule named pTOS, identified in Burmese pythons, could inform new obesity drugs.
In obese mice, pTOS reduced food intake and achieved about 9% weight loss over 28 days.
pTOS suppresses appetite by acting on the hypothalamus and avoids common side effects like nausea.
Further studies are required before clinical use.
The findings were published in Nature Metabolism, and researchers note that pTOS is naturally present in humans.