Obesity
Obesity has become an epidemic in the U.S. and other developed countries and is generally thought of as excess body weight, but more specifically it refers to excess fat mass. As many as one-third of all Americans are obese based on BMI criteria*. In addition to body image issues, obesity causes significant health concerns. It is the second leading cause of preventable death (after smoking), and is associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), arthritis, gallstones, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer - colon, rectum and prostate in men; uterus, biliary tract, breast and ovary in women.
The treatment of obesity includes caloric restrictive diets coupled with increased physical activity. Unfortunately, these approaches have often demonstrated little efficacy despite enormous efforts. In studies utilizing intensive behavior modification, medications, or a surgical procedure (Gastric Bypass or Gastric Banding), the reduction of body fat in the obese patient has resulted in substantial benefits, particularly for T2DM. Unfortunately, the available pharmaceutical therapies have modest efficacy (about 8 pounds in a 200 pound person) and have unwanted side effects (oily stools or elevated blood pressure and pulse).
Description of the many pathways controlling appetite and weight regulation in the gut and brain was catalyzed by discovery of leptin in 1995, a key regulator of body weight and metabolism. Thus, there is now the opportunity to identify biochemical targets which significantly impact obesity utilizing pharmacological interventions. The scientists and physicians at InteKrin have gained deep insights through careful study of the interactions of these many biochemical pathways, as well as analyses of specific populations to identify responders to specific interventions. This allows us to make informed selections of targets and patient populations ideally suited for directed drug development that will offer safe and effective therapies to treat obesity and its many complications.
*Body Mass Index (BMI) = Body Weight (kg) / Height (m2 )
