Beloranib
Encyclopedia
Beloranib is an experimental drug candidate for the treatment of obesity
. It was discovered by CKD Pharmaceuticals and is currently being developed by Zafgen.
Beloranib, an analog
of the natural chemical compound fumagillin
, is an inhibitor
of the enzyme METAP2
. It was originally designed as angiogenesis inhibitor
for the treatment of cancer. However, once the potential anti-obesity effects of METAP2 inhibition became apparent, the clinical development began to focus on these effects and beloranib has shown positive results in preliminary clinical trials for this indication.
Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems...
. It was discovered by CKD Pharmaceuticals and is currently being developed by Zafgen.
Beloranib, an analog
Analog (chemistry)
In chemistry, a structural analog , also known as chemical analog or simply analog, is a compound having a structure similar to that of another one, but differing from it in respect of a certain component. It can differ in one or more atoms, functional groups, or substructures, which are replaced...
of the natural chemical compound fumagillin
Fumagillin
Fumagillin is a complex biomolecule and used as an antimicrobial agent. It was isolated in 1949 from the microbial organism Aspergillus fumigatus.-In animals:...
, is an inhibitor
Enzyme inhibitor
An enzyme inhibitor is a molecule that binds to enzymes and decreases their activity. Since blocking an enzyme's activity can kill a pathogen or correct a metabolic imbalance, many drugs are enzyme inhibitors. They are also used as herbicides and pesticides...
of the enzyme METAP2
METAP2
Methionine aminopeptidase 2 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the METAP2 gene.- Function :This gene is a member of the methionyl aminopeptidase family and encodes a protein that binds 2 cobalt or manganese ions...
. It was originally designed as angiogenesis inhibitor
Angiogenesis inhibitor
An angiogenesis inhibitor is a substance that inhibits the growth of new blood vessels . Some angiogenesis inhibitors are a normal part of the body's control, some are administered as drugs, and some come from diet....
for the treatment of cancer. However, once the potential anti-obesity effects of METAP2 inhibition became apparent, the clinical development began to focus on these effects and beloranib has shown positive results in preliminary clinical trials for this indication.