Apelin / APJ
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Apelin receptor APJ agonist
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Lead indication: obesity
Apelin is a molecule that is secreted in response to exercise. When activated, the apelin pathway recapitulates many benefits of exercise.
We have shown that agonism of the apelin receptor APJ has the potential to double weight loss and fully restore body composition on an incretin background in preclinical models of obesity.
We believe the combination of an APJ agonist and an incretin is a pharmacological parallel to diet and exercise: one mechanism relies largely on reducing energy intake, the other on increasing energy expenditure.
Mechanism of action
Apelin receptor APJ activates both PI3K and AMPK, key regulators of metabolism
Systemic benefits
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Balance of lean & fat mass
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Basal metabolic rate
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Protein synthesis
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Mitochondrial biogenesis
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Insulin sensitivity / glucose metabolism
Preclinical results
We have shown that an APJ agonist can increase overall weight loss and improve body composition co-administered with incretins:
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2x weight loss vs. incretin alone
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Restores body composition and function to that of lean controls
