Researchers have identified a naturally occurring molecule, lactosylceramide (LacCer), that shows promise as a weight-loss treatment comparable to Ozempic, but without the common gastrointestinal side effects. In a study on obese mice, LacCer effectively reduced appetite, promoted weight loss, and improved glucose tolerance, mirroring the effects of semaglutide (Ozempic). Unlike semaglutide, which mimics the gut hormone GLP-1, LacCer appears to work by influencing the hypothalamus directly, offering a potentially safer and more tolerable alternative for obesity management. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore LacCer's potential in humans.
Novo Nordisk is cutting the price of its weight-loss drug Wegovy by 75% for cash-paying patients in the US who lack insurance coverage or have high deductibles. This program, called the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program, lowers the price of a month's supply to around $270, compared to the typical out-of-pocket cost exceeding $1,000. The move aims to increase access to the highly effective but expensive medication, addressing concerns about affordability and equity. The discounted price is temporary, lasting for 12 months. It's unclear how many people will qualify or what the long-term pricing strategy will be after the discount expires.
HN commenters discuss the high cost of Wegovy even with the announced discounts, pointing out that $737.80 per month is still unaffordable for many. Some express cynicism about Novo Nordisk's motivations, suggesting the price cut is a PR move to counter negative press about access and to preempt competition from cheaper generics. Others highlight the systemic issues within the US healthcare system, including the lack of price controls and the influence of pharmaceutical lobbying. A few commenters share personal experiences with weight loss drugs, touching on both their effectiveness and side effects. The discussion also includes speculation about the long-term pricing strategy for Wegovy and the potential for future price drops as competition increases and manufacturing scales.
Scientists have identified a potential mechanism by which aspirin may inhibit cancer metastasis. Research suggests aspirin's anti-inflammatory effects disrupt the communication between cancer cells and platelets, which normally help cancer cells travel through the bloodstream and establish secondary tumors. By blocking a specific pathway involving the protein HMGB1, aspirin prevents platelets from shielding cancer cells from the immune system and supporting their survival in new locations. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments or more effective use of aspirin for cancer prevention, though further research is needed.
HN commenters discuss the limitations of the study, pointing out that it's in mice, a small sample size, and doesn't establish causation. Some express skepticism about the reporting, noting that the BBC article doesn't mention the specific cancer types studied or the dose of aspirin used. Others raise concerns about the potential side effects of long-term aspirin use, like gastrointestinal bleeding. A few commenters offer alternative explanations for the observed effect, such as aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties. Several highlight the need for human trials to confirm these findings and determine safe and effective dosages. Finally, some express cautious optimism about the potential of repurposing existing drugs like aspirin for cancer treatment.
Researchers used AI to identify a new antibiotic, abaucin, effective against a multidrug-resistant superbug, Acinetobacter baumannii. The AI model was trained on data about the molecular structure of over 7,500 drugs and their effectiveness against the bacteria. Within 48 hours, it identified nine potential antibiotic candidates, one of which, abaucin, proved highly effective in lab tests and successfully treated infected mice. This accomplishment, typically taking years of research, highlights the potential of AI to accelerate antibiotic discovery and combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
HN commenters are generally skeptical of the BBC article's framing. Several point out that the AI didn't "crack" the problem entirely on its own, but rather accelerated a process already guided by human researchers. They highlight the importance of the scientists' prior work in identifying abaucin and setting up the parameters for the AI's search. Some also question the novelty, noting that AI has been used in drug discovery for years and that this is an incremental improvement rather than a revolutionary breakthrough. Others discuss the challenges of antibiotic resistance, the need for new antibiotics, and the potential of AI to contribute to solutions. A few commenters also delve into the technical details of the AI model and the specific problem it addressed.
Schrödinger, a computational drug discovery company partnering with Nvidia, is using AI and physics-based simulations to revolutionize pharmaceutical development. Their platform accelerates the traditionally slow and expensive process of identifying and optimizing drug candidates by predicting molecular properties and interactions. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang encouraged Schrödinger to expand their ambition beyond drug discovery, envisioning applications in materials science and other fields leveraging their computational prowess and predictive modeling capabilities. This partnership combines Schrödinger's scientific expertise with Nvidia's advanced computing power, ultimately aiming to create a new paradigm of accelerated scientific discovery.
Hacker News users discuss Nvidia's partnership with Schrödinger and their ambitious goals in drug discovery. Several commenters express skepticism about the feasibility of using AI to revolutionize drug development, citing the complexity of biological systems and the limitations of current computational methods. Some highlight the potential for AI to accelerate specific aspects of the process, such as molecule design and screening, but doubt it can replace the need for extensive experimental validation. Others question the hype surrounding AI in drug discovery, suggesting it's driven more by marketing than scientific breakthroughs. There's also discussion of Schrödinger's existing software and its perceived strengths and weaknesses within the field. Finally, some commenters note the potential conflict of interest between scientific rigor and the financial incentives driving the partnership.
Summary of Comments ( 116 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43289245
Hacker News commenters express cautious optimism about the potential of this naturally occurring molecule as a weight-loss drug. Several highlight the need for more research, particularly regarding long-term effects and potential unknown side effects. Some point out that "natural" doesn't inherently mean safe, and many natural substances have negative side effects. Others discuss the societal implications of widespread weight loss drugs, including potential impacts on the food industry and pressures surrounding body image. A few commenters note the similarities to previous "miracle" weight loss solutions that ultimately proved problematic. The overall sentiment is one of interest, but tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism and a desire for more data.
The Hacker News post discussing the MedicalXpress article about a naturally occurring molecule rivaling Ozempic for weight loss generated several comments, primarily focusing on the molecule's potential, mechanism of action, and comparison with existing drugs.
Several commenters expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the early stage of the research while highlighting the potential benefits if the findings hold true in human trials. They emphasized the need for further research to confirm the efficacy and safety of the molecule.
Some comments delved into the mechanism of action, discussing how the molecule, Lac-Phe, mimics the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. They compared it to Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists, pointing out that Lac-Phe might offer similar benefits without the common side effects like nausea and vomiting, though this remains to be seen in human studies. The discussion also touched on the fact that Lac-Phe is a byproduct of protein digestion and is naturally present in fermented foods, raising questions about its bioavailability and potential for dietary supplementation.
A few comments questioned the long-term sustainability of weight loss achieved through appetite suppression, arguing that addressing the underlying causes of obesity, such as lifestyle and metabolic factors, is crucial. They also raised concerns about potential unknown side effects of long-term Lac-Phe use.
Some commenters discussed the implications of this discovery for the pharmaceutical industry, speculating about the potential for developing new weight loss drugs based on Lac-Phe or related molecules. They also debated the potential cost and accessibility of such treatments.
One compelling thread explored the potential link between gut bacteria and obesity, with commenters suggesting that Lac-Phe's effects could be mediated by its influence on the gut microbiome. This connection prompted a discussion about the role of diet and probiotics in managing weight and metabolic health.
Another interesting point raised was the possibility of Lac-Phe having other therapeutic applications beyond weight loss, given its potential impact on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. This led to speculation about its potential use in managing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Finally, some commenters shared anecdotal experiences with intermittent fasting and other dietary interventions, highlighting the complexities of weight management and the individual variability in response to different approaches.