Adipotide (TP01) - Research Peptide for Adipose Tissues Studies
Adipotide research peptide (also known as TP01 and Prohibitin Targeting Peptide 1) is an investigational research peptide that, in animal studies, has shown to have targeted effects on adipose (fat) tissue. In contrast to GLP-1 receptor agonists that affect appetite, this adipose vasculature targeting peptide increases adipocyte apoptosis due to vascular destruction. The peptide sequence CKGGRAKDC-GG-D(KLAKLAK)₂ targets proteins on the adipose tissue vasculature.
📋 Quick Reference Card (Click to expand)
Sequence: CKGGRAKDC-GG-D(KLAKLAK)₂
Molecular Weight: ~2.5 kDa
Target: Prohibitin/ANXA2 in adipose vasculature
Storage: -20°C (lyophilized)
Solubility: Sterile saline or buffer
Research Status: Preclinical only
Table of Contents
- How Does Adipotide Work: The Mechanism of Action
- Comparison with Other Weight Loss Peptides
- Adipotide Primate Results: A Preclinical Study
- Adipotide Safety and Clinical Trial Protocols
- Research Applications and Scientific Implications
- Administration Protocols in Research Settings
- Key Terms Glossary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Author
Key Statistics from Preclinical Studies
How Does Adipotide Work: The Mechanism of Action
This obesity research compound works through:
- Peptide specific binding to Prohibitin/ANXA2 proteins in adipose tissue vasculature
- Promotes apoptosis of endothelial cells in blood vessels of adipose tissue
- Adipocytes experience a secondary apoptosis as a result of vascular compromise
- Apoptotic cellular debris removed by the immune system
This mode of action is different from appetite regulation or metabolic modulation, working through the targeted destruction of vasculature.
Adipotide (TP01) is an artificial chimeric protein developed by using molecular medicine technology that selectively recognizes vascular cell markers and then binds to adipose blood vessel cells, including Prohibitin and ANXA2.
This preclinical study peptide has attracted scientific attention as a possible tool to explore mechanisms of obesity and metabolic diseases. Through disruption of blood supply to adipose tissue, Adipotide exerts a mechanism for adipocyte apoptosis, as opposed to just temporary reduction of size of adipocytes.
This research chemical for adipose tissue function has been proven to work without influencing the appetite, metabolism, or the hormonal signaling pathways of the body. The mode of action is disruption of the architecture of adipose tissue.
Adipotide research peptide acts via pathways which are distinct from those utilized by GLP-1 receptor agonists. The compound has no effect on hunger signals or on digestive functions — it targets the vasculature of the adipose tissue itself.
Comparison with Other Weight Loss Peptides
| Peptide | Mechanism | Effect | Side Effects | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adipotide (TP01) | Kills fat blood vessels | Permanent fat loss | Kidney damage | Research only |
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 agonist | Reduces appetite | Nausea, GI issues | FDA Approved |
| Tirzepatide | GLP-1/GIP dual | Appetite + insulin | GI issues | FDA Approved |
| Retatrutide | Triple agonist | Multiple pathways | GI issues | Phase 3 |
| Cagrilintide | Amylin analog | Feel full faster | Nausea | Trials |
Weight loss peptides work via neuroendocrine action; however TP01 Adipotide is unique acting by vascular ablation. This central discrepancy leads to a number of differences:
- Mechanism: Adipotide causes irreversible apoptosis of adipocytes, the other peptides make reversible metabolic changes
- Autonomy: Acts without altering food intake, insulin sensitivity or metabolic rate
- Selectivity: Acts mainly on white adipose tissue without affecting other tissues
- Onset: Fast onset when compared to slow metabolic changes
Learn more about other weight loss peptides in our comprehensive guide.
Adipotide Primate Results: A Preclinical Study on Obesity (2011)
An investigation of research peptide Adipotide was carried out on a group of obese rhesus monkeys, with the following findings:
- 11% body weight loss in 28 days
- MRI-validated 27% reduction in visceral belly fat
- Improved insulin sensitivity markers
- No effect in lean control animals
- Continued metabolic improvements post-treatment
The seminal University of Texas Health Science Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center conducted study published in Science Translational Medicine (2011) showed the effects of Adipotide in a non-human primate model of diet-induced obesity.
Study Design
- Species: Diet-induced obese rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
- Therapy: Adipotide was subcutaneously injected daily for 28 days
- Control: Obese and lean vehicle-treated groups
- Evaluation: MRI, metabolic panels, behavioral assessment
They observed no changes in behavior or appetite and the only weight loss occurred as a result of apoptosis in the adipocyte and vascular targeting.
The study showed selective action of Adipotide peptide in obese compared with lean animals, indicating a therapeutic window related to systemic adipose tissue vascularity. After treatment, analyses showed durability of metabolic benefits suggesting possible sustained effects beyond therapy.
Histological Analysis
Histological studies of adipose tissue showed the following:
- Widespread vascular regression in white adipose stores
- Typical adipose tissue apoptosis with typical morphology
- Minimal inflammatory infiltration
- Maintenance of structure of brown adipose tissue
Adipotide Safety and Clinical Trial Protocols
Kidney effects:
- Increased creatinine
- Reversible kidney lesions
- Higher doses = more damage
Does NOT cause:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Mood changes
- Liver problems
Kidney Support in Research Protocols
Studies often include supplements:
- NAC 600-1200mg/day
- ALA 300-600mg/day
- CoQ10 200-400mg/day
- Omega 3 2-4g/day
Plus 3+ liters of water a day and frequent kidney tests.
Research protocols typically incorporate:
- Assessment Base: Comprehensive renal dysfunction panels prior to treatment
- Surveillance: Serial creatinine, BUN, GFR measurements
- Optimizing the Dose: Starting at lower doses and increasing gradually
- Protocols for Hydration: Proper hydration is necessary during the course of therapy
- Protective Supplement: Nephroprotective agents where appropriate
For details concerning research protocols, check out our full peptide safety guide.
Research Applications and Scientific Implications
Adipotide exhibits a novel mode of action with potential applications in preclinical research, including:
Primary Research Applications
- Models of Obesity: Insights into the ablation of adipose tissue in treatment-refractory cases
- Metabolic Syndrome: Investigating the lowered visceral adiposity and improved insulin sensitivity characteristics
- Cancer Cachexia: Adipose tissue contributes to deleterious cancer syndrome
- Lipodystrophy: Looking for mechanisms of selective adipose tissue repartitioning
- Cardiovascular Research: Investigating adipose-related inflammatory pathways
Present-day studies on the Adipotide peptide involve:
- Dose optimization to reduce toxicity
- Developing renal protective strategies
- Studies on combinations with metabolic modulators
- Development of site-specific targeting delivery systems for improved specificity
- Insight into long-term metabolic effects in animal studies
Take a look at our other vascular targeting research peptides.
Administration Protocols in Research Settings
Adipotide (TP01) is a research compound which has not yet been approved for use in humans but studies in mice and monkeys have confirmed multiple approaches to administration:
Delivery Method
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency: In primates it is given daily
- Duration of treatment: 28-day cycles with monitoring periods
- Storage: Lyophilized powder can be stored at -20°C
- Reconstitution: In sterile saline or suitable buffer
Combination Strategies
Research studies have explored combinations with:
- AOD-9604: To use together for synergistic effects
- GLP-1 Agonists: Combination of vascular targeting and metabolic actions
- Growth Hormone-Releasing Compounds: To maintain muscle while shedding fat
- Mitochondrial support: NAD+ precursors, metabolic cofactors
Key Terms Glossary
- Adipocyte
- A fat cell responsible for storing energy as fat
- Apoptosis
- Programmed cell death; a natural process where cells die in a controlled manner
- Chimeric Peptide
- A synthetic peptide combining sequences from different sources to create novel properties
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
- A class of medications that mimic the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar
- Prohibitin
- A protein found in adipose tissue blood vessels that Adipotide targets
- Vascular Ablation
- The destruction or removal of blood vessels
- Visceral Adipose Tissue
- Fat stored around internal organs in the abdominal cavity
- White Adipose Tissue (WAT)
- The primary type of fat tissue that stores energy and produces hormones
Frequently Asked Questions About Adipotide Studies
- What is Adipotide (TP01)?
- A synthetic research peptide used to study adipose tissue vasculature in animal models of obesity. It works by binding to specific proteins (Prohibitin and ANXA2) found in adipose blood vessels.
- Is Adipotide approved for humans?
- No; Adipotide has only been used in pre-clinical animal research (such as rhesus monkeys). No human trials have been carried out because of the renal toxicity shown in animals.
- What were the effects on animals in the studies?
- In primate models, pre-clinical studies show ~11% body weight loss and 27% visceral adipose tissue mass loss over 28 days. Effects persisted after treatment cessation.
- How does Adipotide differ from GLP-1 receptor agonists?
- In contrast to the effects of appetite-modulating GLP-1 agonists which activate neuroendocrine channels, Adipotide acts as a proapoptotic agent for adipocytes through vascular disruption without influencing hunger or metabolic signaling.
- What are the main safety precautions?
- The main toxicity is dose-related renal toxicity. All preclinical studies describe different forms of kidney toxicity, which has led to the absence of human trials.
- Is Adipotide available for public purchase?
- No. Adipotide is a research-only chemical not available to the public. Access is restricted to qualified researchers in monitored laboratory environments for scientific studies.
Related Research Articles
-
AOD-9604: Fragment of Growth Hormone for Fat Metabolism Research
Explore another research peptide targeting adipose tissue through different mechanisms -
Comprehensive Guide to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Research
Understanding appetite-modulating peptides and their research applications -
Safety Protocols for Research Peptide Handling
Best practices for laboratory safety when working with research peptides
Scientific References
- Barnhart KF, et al. (2011). A peptidomimetic targeting white fat causes weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys. Science Translational Medicine, 3(108).
- Kolonin MG, et al. (2004). Reversal of obesity by targeted ablation of adipose tissue. Nature Medicine, 10(6).
- Staquicini FI, et al. (2011). Vascular ligand-receptor mapping by direct combinatorial selection in cancer patients. PNAS, 108(46).
- Bates AM, et al. (2020). Therapeutic peptide applications in obesity and diabetes. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11.
- Zhang X, et al. (2021). Adipotide as a candidate for weight management. Current Obesity Reports, 10(3).
- Vagner J, et al. (2019). Peptide based anti-obesity strategies: Among many candidates, only few have a chance. Obesity Reviews, 20(7).
- FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). FDA's Role in Regulating Peptides.
Image sources: Molecular structures and study data from published research. All images used for educational purposes only.
For Qualified Researchers
If you are a qualified researcher interested in studying Adipotide (TP01), please ensure you have appropriate institutional approval and follow all regulatory guidelines.
Contact Research Department
