Project description
Molecules to sustain pharmacologically induced weight loss
Obesity affects one in six adults in Europe, increasing the demand for effective therapies. GLP-1RAs like semaglutide and tirzepatide promote weight loss but can also reduce lean mass, heightening the risk of sarcopenia and osteoporosis, particularly in women over 50. This can lead to pain, limited mobility, and a higher risk of fractures, placing additional strain on healthcare systems. The ERC-funded LEANMASS project aims to develop novel molecules that enhance natural growth hormone (GH) secretion to help preserve lean mass during GLP-1RA-induced weight loss. The project will evaluate their safety and efficacy while securing intellectual property rights. It seeks to provide a solution to obesity in the ageing population and reduce disease prevalence.
Objective
Obesity affects 1 in 6 adults in Europe, driving demand for therapy. Agonists of the Glucagon Like Peptide 1 Receptor (GLP1RAs) such as semaglutide (Novo Nordisk) and tirzepatide (Eli Lilly) have led to substantial weight loss in millions of patients. However, a large fraction of lost weight is attributed to loss of lean mass: muscle and bone. A reduction in lean mass increases the risk for sarcopenia and osteoporosis loss of muscle and bone. Our analysis of 748,667 patients using GLP1RAs has shown that most are women, over the age of 50: a population already at risk for muscle and bone loss. Sarcopenia and osteoporosis cause pain, fatigue, limit the ability of patients to perform daily activities, and increase their risk for fractures. With millions of GLP1RA users and an annual direct cost of 5000USD/osteoporosis patient, loss of lean mass can cost billions to health care systems.
Growth Hormone (GH) is the natural signal in adults for sustaining lean mass. Results from our ERC project identified pathways that may sustain GH signaling during and after weight loss. We propose to develop novel molecules that will lead to an increase in natural GH secretion. We will test the efficacy and safety of a library molecules we designed for their ability to maintain lean mass during GLP1RA-induced weight loss. The results will secure the intellectual property surrounding the novel molecules and their use.
By addressing the underlying causes of muscle and bone loss, we aim to develop a comprehensive solution to the obesity crisis. Our innovative biochemical approach targets the aging population struggling with obesity and has the potential to prevent disease in millions of patients and alleviate a significant burden from healthcare systems.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules
- medical and health sciences health sciences nutrition obesity
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
91904 Jerusalem
Israel
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.