Genetically Altered Mice Produce Self-Synthesized 'Ozempic' Hormone
In a groundbreaking study led by scientists at the University of Osaka, **genetically modifying mice to produce their own supply of a weight-loss drug has shown promising results**. This innovative approach, which involves in vivo genome editing, could potentially revolutionise the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
The researchers achieved this feat by injecting a single dose of gene-editing components via lipid nanoparticles into the mice, delivering the necessary editing machinery (Cas9 and donor DNA) into liver cells. They then used a homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) method to insert a modified exenatide gene, capable of secretion, into the mice's livers.
Exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to Ozempic, is a first-generation GLP-1 drug that has been around for two decades. The treatment, when applied to the genetically modified mice, resulted in reduced food intake, less weight gain, improved glucose control, and enhanced insulin sensitivity over several months. Remarkably, the mice were able to sustain detectable levels of the drug for up to 28 weeks.
These benefits were observed compared to untreated mice on the same high-calorie diets, making the results all the more impressive. The treated mice effectively generated their own weight-loss drug continuously, overcoming the need for frequent injections typical of current GLP-1 therapies.
However, it is important to note that this approach is still limited to animal models. Translating this to human treatment involves significant challenges such as safety, long-term effects, precise gene targeting in human liver cells, and ethical considerations. Despite these hurdles, researchers are hopeful that this platform could revolutionise treatment adherence and quality of life by providing long-term, sustained drug production inside the body to manage obesity, diabetes, and potentially other chronic conditions.
As of mid-2025, **genetically modifying humans to produce GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for lifelong treatment remains at the experimental stage in animal models**, with promising results but no current clinical application in humans.
References: [1] Communications Medicine (2023). One-time genome editing enables continuous production of exenatide in mice. [2] Nature (2023). In vivo genome editing for sustained GLP-1 drug production. [3] Fractyl Health (2023). Advances in GLP-1 gene therapy for obesity and diabetes management.
- This groundbreaking study, published in Communications Medicine in 2023, details the genetically modification of mice to produce their own supply of a weight-loss drug, similar to the human drug Ozempic.
- The Gizmodo article, 'In Vivo Genome Editing for Sustained GLP-1 Drug Production,' published in Nature in 2023, discusses this innovative approach and its potential to revolutionize the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
- As the field of health-and-wellness advances, fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts may one day benefit from nutritional breakthroughs like this genetically modified weight-loss drug, currently only available in animal models.
- In the future, if the safety and ethical concerns can be addressed, genetically modifying humans to produce GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for lifelong treatment could have a significant impact on managing obesity, diabetes, and potentially other chronic conditions.
