Adipo Therapeutics LLC, a biopharmaceutical company, has presented data from two preclinical studies evaluating its lead product, ADPO-002NP, as a potential treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders. The studies, presented at The Obesity Society annual meeting, investigated the impact of ADPO-002 on key browning markers in human fat cells and tissues, providing encouraging evidence for its advancement toward Phase I clinical trials.
Browning White Adipose Tissue
Obesity is a major public health concern, with projections estimating that nearly half of U.S. adults will be obese by 2030, according to the National Institutes of Health. Excess white adipose tissue contributes to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, while brown adipose tissue promotes metabolic health by increasing energy expenditure and improving insulin sensitivity. ADPO-002NP aims to increase energy expenditure and improve insulin resistance by browning white adipose tissue.
"There is a need for new weight-loss products that work by increasing energy expenditure without requiring calorie restriction," said Adipo CEO Karen Wurster. "Adipo’s treatment has the potential to increase energy expenditure by creating healthier, energy-burning, metabolically beneficial subcutaneous fat."
Study Results
The first study examined the effect of ADPO-002 and ADPO-002NP on differentiated human white adipocytes. Results demonstrated a significant increase in PGC1α and inhibition of Notch target gene Hes1.
The second study examined the effect of ADPO-002 on subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue explants from bariatric surgery patients. The study demonstrated a significant increase in critical browning marker genes PGC1α and PRDM16 following seven days of treatment. It also showed an upregulation of UCP1, a key regulator of thermogenesis, in both subcutaneous and omental tissue.
"Inhibition of Notch signaling has been shown to promote adipocyte browning in our previous animal studies. Our findings from these studies with human adipocytes and adipose tissue explants provide important encouraging evidence for the translational potential of this novel mechanism of action," said Adipo founder Meng Deng, associate professor at Purdue University.
Future Development
Adipo Therapeutics is currently raising $8 million to advance ADPO-002NP to first-in-human Phase I clinical trials. This funding will support manufacturing, preclinical toxicology studies, and regulatory approval to begin clinical development. ADPO-002NP combines a Notch inhibitor with novel poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticle technology and is being developed as a once-weekly treatment to increase mitochondrial biogenesis and energy expenditure.
