Motley Fool Money Anglerfish, Gila Monsters, and the Origin of Weight Loss Drugs
Jul 30, 2023
Discover the surprising origins of weight loss drugs, linked to the carnivorous anglerfish and Gila monster venom. Listen in as a Wall Street Journal reporter unveils how obscure research evolved into a $44 billion market. Explore the science behind GLP-1 and its transformation from diabetes treatment to weight loss solution, alongside the quirky story of a dentist raising Gila monsters in his basement. Finally, delve into the complex side effects of these medications and their unexpected impact on behaviors like alcoholism.
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Anglerfish and GLP-1
- Weight loss drugs like Ozempic trace back to research on anglerfish.
- These bottom-feeding fish produce a hormone that mimics GLP-1, crucial in weight loss.
Gila Monsters and Byetta
- Gila monster venom contains a hormone similar to human GLP-1.
- This discovery helped create the first GLP-1 drug, Byetta (exenatide).
Gila Monster Husbandry
- Mark Seward, a dentist, kept over 100 Gila monsters in his basement for research.
- He was only bitten while taking blood samples for a pharmaceutical company.