Peptide YY (PYY 3-36)
Overview
Peptide YY 3-36 is a 34-amino acid endogenous peptide hormone secreted by L-cells in the distal small intestine and colon in response to nutrient intake. It acts primarily on the Y2 receptor in the hypothalamus to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying, functioning as part of the ileal brake mechanism. The therapeutic rationale for exogenous PYY 3-36 administration centers on treatment of obesity through appetite suppression. Circulating levels are reduced in obesity and elevated after bariatric surgery.
Key Research Findings
Early proof-of-concept studies demonstrated that intravenous PYY 3-36 infusion reduced food intake in both lean and obese subjects. Clinical development of intranasal formulations has been pursued to improve delivery, but phase II trials showed modest weight loss and challenges with patient adherence and tolerability. No PYY-based therapeutic has advanced beyond mid-stage trials, though interest persists in combination approaches with other gut hormones.
Intravenous, Intranasal
In Clinical Trials
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