Description:
Reference #: 01478
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for Immune CB1 activation for obesity therapy
Background:
The endocannabinoid system regulates various physiological processes such as inflammation and metabolism, and is comprised of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, as well as their ligands called endocannabinoids. Overactivation of CB1 is characteristic of obesity. Nearly 40% of the world population is considered overweight or obese.
Invention Description:
Blocking CB1 receptors throughout the body promotes weight loss, although side effects on the central nervous system, such as depression and anxiety, have prevented approved use of these drugs in humans. Our discovery reveals that while CB1 activation in non-immune cells promotes obesity, CB1 activation in specific cells can dampen obesity.
Potential Applications:
Currently, CB1 antagonists have been tested to treat obesity and while they are effective, because of psychiatric toxicity, they were withdrawn. Use of immune-specific CB1 agonists can be used to circumvent central nervous system (CNS) toxicity of CB1 antagonists as well as psychotropic effects of CNS-acting CB1 agonists.
Advantages and Benefits:
This invention would be used to lessen obesity and prevent metabolic syndrome by dampening obesity-induced inflammation. By not triggering the same central nervous system responses of depression and anxiety, this treatment can be use clinically to lessen obesity with lessened side effects.