Overview
Overview
Adipotide is a synthetic peptidomimetic that targets prohibitin on blood vessels within white adipose tissue and delivers a pro‑apoptotic sequence to destroy those vessels[1][2], resulting in targeted fat mass reduction as fat cells lose their blood supply[8]. Preclinical studies showed notable weight loss in obese rodents and primates[1][9]; however, clinical development was discontinued after a Phase 1 trial due to safety concerns[3][4]. This educational protocol presents a cautious once‑daily
- Category
- Weight Loss
- Routes
- subcutaneous
Mechanism
Adipotide
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of action
Adipotide is a peptidomimetic compound designed to selectively target blood vessels within white adipose tissue by binding to prohibitin‑1 on the vascular endothelium [2] [8] . Once bound, it delivers a pro‑apoptotic sequence that triggers vessel destruction, cutting off the blood supply to fat cells and causing them to undergo apoptosis and be metabolized [1] [2] . Preclinical studies in obese rodents demonstrated approximately 30% body weight reduction, and obese primates showed about 11% weight loss after 4 weeks of treatment [1] [9] . A first‑in‑human Phase 1 trial was initiated in obese cancer patients [3] , but further clinical development was discontinued due to strategic and safety reasons, including reversible renal effects observed at higher doses [4] .
Key research findings
- 01
Adipotide (FTPP) is a synthetic peptidomimetic designed to home to prohibitin/annexin-associated targets on the vasculature of white adipose tissue and deliver a pro-apoptotic motif to that blood supply (mechanistic / in vitro).
- 02
In diet-induced and genetically obese rodent models, targeted ablation of adipose-tissue vasculature was associated with rapid reduction in body fat (animal model; first described by Kolonin and colleagues, Nature Medicine, 2004).
- 03
In a study of obese rhesus monkeys, a short dosing course was associated with measurable loss of body weight and reduced food intake (animal model / nonhuman primate; Science Translational Medicine, 2011).
- 04
Kidney-related changes were observed in the nonhuman-primate work and were identified by investigators as a dose-limiting consideration (animal model observation).
- 05
No completed, peer-reviewed human efficacy trials are established in the public literature; the evidence base remains preclinical.
Primary source: The primary research base for adipotide is preclinical, centered on rodent and nonhuman-primate obesity models from the Kolonin/Arap groups. There is no established human efficacy data, and renal findings reported in animals are frequently cited as a key limitation.
Researched Effects
Researched benefits
Areas of active research and investigation. Results may vary and are based on preclinical or early clinical data.
Preclinical studies showed notable targeted fat mass reduction (up to 30% body weight in rodents, ~11% in primates over 4 weeks)[1][2][8][9].
Mechanism specifically targets adipose tissue vasculature, sparing other tissues in preclinical models[2].
Safety concerns: Clinical developmen
Protocol Reference
Protocol reference
Commonly cited research range: 250–1000 mcg, daily.
Reference figures reported in the research literature — not a dosing recommendation. For interactive vial math and scheduling, see the Calculator and Schedule tabs.
Cited protocol & reconstitution guide
Source-backed reference fields by phase, including any volume fields authored in the cited guide.
Weeks 1–2
250 mcg
Weeks 3–4
500 mcg
Weeks 5–6
750 mcg
Weeks 7–8
1000 mcg (1.0 mg)
| Phase | Reference amount | Units / volume |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 250 mcg | 7.5 units (0.08 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 500 mcg | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 750 mcg | 22.5 units (0.23 mL) |
| Weeks 7–8 | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
Storage & Handling
Storage requirements(typical for most peptides)
Can be stored for extended periods. Protect from moisture.
Store in refrigerator door. Never freeze after reconstitution.
Label vials with reconstitution date. Discard if cloudy.
Reconstitution steps
- 01🌡️Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- 02🧴Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- 03💉Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- 04💧Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light[5].
- 05🔄Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption. Clinical development was discontinued due to safety concerns.
Additional storage notes
Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure [5] .
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); prepare aliquots if needed and avoid freeze–thaw [5] .
Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence
Preclinical primate and rodent studies report reductions in fat mass; this is early preclinical research with significant safety questions unresolved.
The primary research base for adipotide is preclinical, centered on rodent and nonhuman-primate obesity models from the Kolonin/Arap groups. There is no established human efficacy data, and renal findings reported in animals are frequently cited as a key limitation.
- 01Adipotide (FTPP) is a synthetic peptidomimetic designed to home to prohibitin/annexin-associated targets on the vasculature of white adipose tissue and deliver a pro-apoptotic motif to that blood supply (mechanistic / in vitro).
- 02In diet-induced and genetically obese rodent models, targeted ablation of adipose-tissue vasculature was associated with rapid reduction in body fat (animal model; first described by Kolonin and colleagues, Nature Medicine, 2004).
- 03In a study of obese rhesus monkeys, a short dosing course was associated with measurable loss of body weight and reduced food intake (animal model / nonhuman primate; Science Translational Medicine, 2011).
- 04Kidney-related changes were observed in the nonhuman-primate work and were identified by investigators as a dose-limiting consideration (animal model observation).
- 05No completed, peer-reviewed human efficacy trials are established in the public literature; the evidence base remains preclinical.
Evidence maturity varies by compound; much peptide research is preclinical (in vitro or animal-model). Where human data are limited, findings should be read as research observations, not clinical conclusions.
References
Literature references
Published research articles and sources related to Adipotide.
- 01Science Translational Medicine (PubMed) — A peptidomimetic targeting white fat causes weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys View Source
- 02MD Anderson Cancer Center — Obese Monkeys Lose Weight on Drug that Attacks Blood Supply of Fat Cells View Source
- 03Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals News — Dosing of First Patient with Anti-Obesity Treatment Adipotide in a Phase 1 Clinical Trial View Source
- 04Cardiovascular Diabetology (PMC) — Advances and challenges of targeting epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) View Source
- 05Bachem Technical Note — Care and Handling of Peptides View Source
- 06BC Open Textbook Project — 7.3 Intradermal and Subcutaneous Injections – Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care View Source
- 07Immunize.org (IAC) — Ask the Experts: Administering Vaccines – General Issues (no aspiration guidance) View Source
- 08Los Angeles Times — Cancer treatment shows promise for rapid weight loss View Source
- 09ScienceDaily — Obese monkeys lose weight on drug that attacks blood supply of fat cells View Source
- 10CDC — Vaccine administration: subcutaneous route guidance View Source
- 11CDC (Subcut Injection PDF) — Technique diagram and site guidance for subcutaneous injections View Source
- 12NCBI Bookshelf — Best practices for injection (asepsis, preparation, and administration) View Source
- 13Subcutaneous Drug Injection Review (PMC) — Pharmacologic considerations of the subcutaneous route View Source
- 14Pure Lab Peptides — Adipotide (10 mg) product page (quality and batch documentation) View Source
Research Considerations
Research considerations
Research Use Only - not for human or veterinary therapeutic use. Evidence is strictly preclinical (cell and/or animal models); it is a research compound, not a therapy, and has not been evaluated for human safety. Consult a licensed healthcare professional for any clinical decisions.
Factors noted in the research literature; not patient-specific medical advice.
Regulatory Status
Regulatory status
RUO
Comparisons
Comparisons
| Compound | Mechanism | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adipotidethis | A peptidomimetic that targets prohibitin on the vasculature of white adipose tissue and delivers a pro-apoptotic sequence, studied for selective reduction of fat-tissue blood supply. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| AICAR | A cell-permeable nucleoside phosphorylated intracellularly to ZMP, an AMP-mimetic that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), shifting cells toward oxidative metabolism. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| AOD-9604 | Stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis. Fragment retains fat-reducing properties without metabolic side effects of full GH. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Cagrilintide | A long-acting acylated amylin analog that activates central amylin (calcitonin-family) receptors to promote satiety and slow gastric emptying. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| L-Carnitine | An amino acid derivative essential for transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation and energy production. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Ara-290 | An 11-amino-acid non-erythropoietic peptide derived from erythropoietin's helix-B domain that selectively activates the innate repair receptor (an EPOR/CD131 heterocomplex), studied for tissue protection and resolution of inflammation. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| BPC-157 | Promotes angiogenesis, accelerates wound healing, and protects organs. Interacts with growth hormone receptors and NO system. | subcutaneous, intramuscular | Investigational / RUO |
Attributes shown for research comparison only; not a statement of efficacy or therapeutic equivalence.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Adipotide (FTPP) is a synthetic peptidomimetic studied in research as a vasculature-targeting, pro-apoptotic agent directed at the blood supply of white adipose tissue. It is a research compound, not an approved product.
Published work describes a homing peptide sequence that binds prohibitin/annexin-associated targets on adipose-tissue blood vessels, linked to a pro-apoptotic motif intended to prune that vasculature in animal models. This is a mechanistic description from preclinical research, not a therapeutic claim.
The literature is preclinical (rodent and nonhuman-primate models). No established human efficacy trials are documented in the public record, so conclusions about humans cannot be drawn.
Yes. Observed effects in research included kidney-related changes in the nonhuman-primate study, which investigators highlighted as dose-limiting. These are animal-model observations only.
As a lyophilized peptide, research handling typically follows standard practice for synthetic peptides: cold storage of lyophilized material, reconstitution per the supplier reference, and avoiding repeated freeze-thaw. Follow your protocol reference and certificate of analysis. This is not guidance for human use.
Adipotide is not an approved drug in the United States or other major jurisdictions and is handled as a research-use-only compound.
Research-use notice
Research Use Only. This educational content and calculation support is intended for private research documentation. It does not provide medical advice, human-use directions, or claims of safety or effectiveness.