US 8,476,227 B2 · Methods of activating a melanocortin-4 receptor pathway in obese subjects

Abstract

Methods and therapeutics are provided for treating metabolic disorders by activation of melanocortin signaling pathways. Generally, the methods and therapeutics can induce activation of melanocortin receptor signaling to increase energy expenditure and induce weight loss. In one embodiment, a method for performing a diagnostic procedure can be chosen, energy expenditure then assess in light of the diagnostic procedure and a definitive procedure(s) can be selected dependent on the outcome of the energy assessment. In another embodiment, a diagnostic procedure can be chosen to activate melanocortin receptor pathways, energy expenditure can be assessed and a definitive procedure(s) can be chosen that selectively and optimally activate melanocortin receptor pathways.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of activating a melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) pathway in an obese subject, the method comprising:

(a) performing a first intervention on a subject, wherein the first intervention is a non-surgical procedure;
(b) measuring energy expenditure of the subject to measure MC4R pathway activation in response to the first intervention;
and
(c) performing a second intervention that activates the melanocortin receptor pathway, wherein the second intervention is chosen based on the measured energy expenditure and appropriate for the subject to increase energy expenditure, and wherein the first intervention is different from the second intervention.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods of activating a melanocortin-4 receptor pathway in obese subjects

Life of this patent

Methods of activating a melanocortin-4 receptor pathway in obese subjects

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20