Stanford researchers identify peptide that may suppress appetite with fewer side effects than Ozempic

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:42:00 +0200

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified a naturally occurring peptide that could potentially replicate some of the appetite-suppressing and weight-loss effects of semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic) while avoiding many of its common side effects. The molecule, called BRP, was discovered using an artificial intelligence tool developed by the research team known as “Peptide Predictor,” which scans human protein-coding genes to identify candidate hormone-like peptides.

BRP is derived from a larger protein and consists of just 12 amino acids. In laboratory tests, it showed a strong ability to activate neurons involved in appetite regulation, particularly those located in the brain’s hypothalamus. Unlike semaglutide, which acts on receptors found across multiple organs including the brain, gut, and pancreas, BRP appears to act more selectively in brain pathways linked to hunger control. This targeted mechanism may explain why it did not produce common side effects such as nausea, co