From Venom to Vital Medicine: The Gila Monster’s Role in Ozempic’s Origin
In the realm of medical breakthroughs, inspiration often emerges from unexpected sources. One such source is the Gila monster, a venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States. This creature played a pivotal role in the development of Ozempic, a leading medication for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
The Gila Monster’s Unique Hormone
In the early 1990s, Dr. John Eng, an endocrinologist at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New York, discovered a hormone in the Gila monster’s venom named exendin-4. This hormone closely resembles the human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates blood sugar and appetite. However, exendin-4 has a longer-lasting effect, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic use.
From Discovery to Drug Development
Despite initial skepticism from pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Eng patented exendin-4 in 1995 and licensed it to Amylin Pharmaceuticals. This led to the development of exenatide (Byetta), approved by the FDA in 2005 for type 2 diabetes treatment. Building on this success, researchers developed semaglutide, a synthetic version with enhanced properties, resulting in the creation of Ozempic and Wegovy.
Impact on Health and Medicine
Ozempic and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists have revolutionized diabetes care and weight management. By mimicking GLP-1, these drugs enhance insulin secretion, suppress appetite, and promote weight loss. Their effectiveness has led to widespread use and significant impacts on public health.
A Testament to Nature’s Influence
The journey from the Gila monster’s venom to a groundbreaking medication underscores the importance of natural compounds in medical research. It serves as a reminder that nature holds valuable clues for scientific advancement, often in the most unexpected places.
Written by: Dr. Jason M Lord, Managing Partner Laser Body Renewal
For a detailed exploration of this discovery, refer to Business Insider’s article: “We wouldn’t have Ozempic without Gila monsters — their hunger-regulating venom inspired weight-loss drugs.”