Scientists at Stanford Medicine have identified a naturally occurring molecule that could lead to a new generation of weight loss medications. Early animal experiments suggest that it can suppress appetite and promote fat loss much like semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, while potentially avoiding some of the drug's troublesome side effects.

The molecule, known as BRP, works differently from existing treatments. Rather than affecting several organs throughout the body, it appears to act more selectively on a part of the brain responsible for controlling hunger and metabolism. This more focused approach could eventually help people lose weight without experiencing problems such as nausea, constipation, or substantial muscle loss.

Researchers discovered BRP with the help of artificial intelligence, which allowed them to search through thousands of possible biological compounds.…