Python blood could hold the secret to healthy weight loss
鶹ѰBoulder Today—鶹ѰBoulder researchers have discovered an appetite-suppressing compound in python blood that helps the snakes consume enormous meals and go months without eating yet remain metabolically healthy.
The research, a collaboration with scientists at Stanford Medicine and Baylor universities, could inform new weight loss therapies that promote satiety without the nausea and muscle loss that can come with existing drugs.
“This is a perfect example of nature-inspired biology,” said senior author Leslie Leinwand, a distinguished professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology who has been studying pythons in her lab for two decades. “You look at extraordinary animals that can do things that you and I and other mammals can’t do, and you try to harness that for therapeutic interventions.”
The team has formed a startup, , to work toward commercializing some of the lessons they are learning from pythons.
Arkana won a top prize of $127,500 at the 2025 Lab Venture Challenge, where top innovators from 鶹ѰBoulder, Denver and Colorado Springs compete for grants to fund projects that address a commercial need, have a clear path to a compelling market and have strong scientific support. The LVC grants are funded by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Program, as well as 鶹ѰBoulder.
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