Story perspectives

Groundbreaking Study Reveals Appetite-Suppressing Compound in Pythons

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), Stanford University, and Baylor University identified para-tyramine-O-sulfate (pTOS) in Burmese python blood.
They found pTOS suppresses appetite in Burmese pythons, enabling large meals and long fasting.
In mice, pTOS reduced appetite without energy loss or gastrointestinal issues, unlike existing weight-loss drugs.
The researchers formed Arkana Therapeutics to commercialize their findings.
They plan to explore additional metabolites for therapies, including age-related muscle loss.

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Story summary

Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), Stanford University, and Baylor University identified para-tyramine-O-sulfate (pTOS) in Burmese python blood.
They found pTOS suppresses appetite in Burmese pythons, enabling large meals and long fasting.
In mice, pTOS reduced appetite without energy loss or gastrointestinal issues, unlike existing weight-loss drugs.
The researchers formed Arkana Therapeutics to commercialize their findings.
They plan to explore additional metabolites for therapies, including age-related muscle loss.