Adipotide
Prohibitin-targeting peptide 1 (Prohibitin-TP01)
Adipotide is a revolutionary experimental vascular-targeting peptidomimetic designed to induce selective apoptosis in blood vessels supplying white adipose tissue. Also known as Prohibitin-TP01, FTPP (Fat-Targeted Proapoptotic Peptide), or TP-1, it represents a completely novel approach to weight management through direct fat cell elimination rather than appetite suppression. While clinical development was discontinued in 2019 due to nephrotoxicity concerns, preclinical studies demonstrated remarkable efficacy with up to 30% weight reduction in rodent models and 11% weight loss in primate studies over just 28 days.
Adipotide Mechanism of Action
The Complete Journey: From Injection to Results
Adipotide employs a unique dual-domain architecture for targeted adipose tissue elimination. The N-terminal CKGGRAKDC targeting domain functions as a vascular homing peptide that binds specifically to prohibitin-1 and annexin A2 (ANXA2) receptors highly expressed on endothelial cells of blood vessels supplying white adipose tissue. Following receptor-mediated binding and cellular internalization, the C-terminal D(KLAKLAK)₂ proapoptotic domain disrupts mitochondrial membranes through cationic amphipathic peptide interactions, triggering cytochrome c release and caspase-dependent apoptosis. This leads to endothelial cell death, vascular regression, and subsequent secondary apoptosis of downstream adipocytes due to ischemia and nutrient deprivation. The process is highly selective for white adipose tissue vasculature due to the specific expression pattern of prohibitin-1 receptors.
The Injection
You inject Adipotide under your skin (subcutaneous). The peptide begins absorbing into your bloodstream through tiny blood vessels.
Bloodstream Travel & Targeting
The peptide travels through your bloodstream, seeking out blood vessels that specifically feed white fat tissue. The targeting domain locks onto prohibitin-1 receptors found only on fat tissue blood vessels.
Vascular Binding & Internalization
Adipotide binds to prohibitin-1 and annexin A2 receptors on fat tissue blood vessel walls, then gets pulled inside the endothelial cells lining these vessels.
Blood Vessel Destruction
The proapoptotic domain disrupts mitochondria in fat tissue blood vessel cells, causing them to die. This cuts off the blood supply feeding fat cells.
Fat Cell Death
Without blood supply, fat cells can't get nutrients or oxygen. They begin dying and getting absorbed by your body's cleanup systems.
Visible Results
Dead fat tissue is cleared away, and you see measurable fat loss. This is direct fat elimination, not just water weight or appetite changes.
How Adipotide Works at the Molecular Level
Scientific Mechanism
Adipotide employs a unique dual-domain architecture for targeted adipose tissue elimination. The N-terminal CKGGRAKDC targeting domain functions as a vascular homing peptide that binds specifically to prohibitin-1 and annexin A2 (ANXA2) receptors highly expressed on endothelial cells of blood vessels supplying white adipose tissue. Following receptor-mediated binding and cellular internalization, the C-terminal D(KLAKLAK)₂ proapoptotic domain disrupts mitochondrial membranes through cationic amphipathic peptide interactions, triggering cytochrome c release and caspase-dependent apoptosis. This leads to endothelial cell death, vascular regression, and subsequent secondary apoptosis of downstream adipocytes due to ischemia and nutrient deprivation. The process is highly selective for white adipose tissue vasculature due to the specific expression pattern of prohibitin-1 receptors.
Simple Explanation
Think of Adipotide as a highly precise demolition system for fat tissue. Unlike weight loss drugs that reduce appetite, Adipotide works like a targeted missile that finds the specific blood vessels feeding your fat cells and shuts them down permanently. It has two parts: a 'GPS system' that only locks onto fat tissue blood vessels, and a 'demolition charge' that destroys those vessels. When the blood supply is cut off, the fat cells literally die and get absorbed by your body. It's like cutting the power lines to a building - without blood flow carrying nutrients and oxygen, the fat cells can't survive. This makes Adipotide completely different from any other weight loss approach because it physically eliminates existing fat rather than just preventing new fat storage.
The Simple Truth: Why It Works So Well
Medical Disclaimer
CRITICAL WARNING: Adipotide clinical development was permanently discontinued due to unacceptable nephrotoxicity. All human trials were terminated early. This information is for educational purposes only. Adipotide is NOT approved for any human use and carries severe kidney damage risks. Consult healthcare providers for approved weight management alternatives.