How the hormone amylin affects food cravings and reward
Amylin modulates food reward
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11166408
Researchers are testing whether a naturally occurring hormone called amylin can help adults who are overweight or have obesity eat less by reducing food cravings.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166408 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work looks at how amylin changes how rewarding food feels in the brain. Scientists will study brain reward areas (like the ventral tegmental area and nearby circuits) using animal experiments and link those findings to human-relevant results, using amylin-like drugs while measuring eating behavior, food preference, and dopamine activity. The team aims to identify which neurons and brain sites respond to amylin and whether acting at multiple brain targets could better reduce motivated feeding. Those findings would guide the design of amylin-based medications that more effectively curb overeating.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) with overweight or obesity who experience strong food cravings or overeating would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People under 21, those whose weight issues are unrelated to reward-driven eating, or individuals who cannot take amylin-like medications may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new amylin-based treatments that reduce cravings and help people with overweight or obesity eat less and lose weight.
How similar studies have performed: Related amylin receptor agonists have already been shown to reduce food intake and body weight in both animal studies and some human trials, so this work builds on positive prior findings.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAYES, MATTHEW R — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: HAYES, MATTHEW R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.