Partial activation of mitochondrial heat to safely boost energy burn
Official title: Partial Agonism of Mitochondrial Thermogenesis for the Safe Stimulation of Energy Expenditure
Funded at Equator Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11407553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach aims to safely increase how much energy your body burns by tapping into a natural heat-making process in mitochondria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Equator Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $422,785 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DK146576-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11407553 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who are considered to have obesity or overweight with metabolic concerns and are eligible for the study criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with conditions or medications that interfere with energy metabolism or who are not suitable candidates for mitochondrial-focused therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project seeks to use a targeted molecule to gently boost mitochondrial thermogenesis in adults, with the goal of helping people manage weight and health. It focuses on a specific protein involved in energy use to raise resting energy expenditure rather than just reducing appetite. If successful, it could complement existing weight-loss therapies by addressing energy burn directly. The study will monitor safety, dosing, and how well the approach works in humans over a defined period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could improve weight loss and metabolic health by increasing the body's energy expenditure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that targeting mitochondrial pathways can influence energy expenditure, but safe, selective activation in humans remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Equator Therapeutics, INC.
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vu, Simon — Equator Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Vu, Simon
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.