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CRISPR weight loss: A genetic cure for obesity

CRISPR weight-loss innovations promise significant weight loss for obese patients by editing the genes in their fat cells.

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Quantumrun Foresight
March 22, 2022

Insight summary

CRISPR-based weight loss treatments are on the horizon, transforming "bad" white fat cells into "good" brown fat cells to help patients lose weight, with potential applications in diabetes management. Research from various universities has demonstrated the feasibility of using CRISPR technology to induce weight loss in mice models, and analysts forecast that human therapies may become accessible by the mid-2030s. The long-term implications of this trend include a potential shift in global obesity treatment, new opportunities for growth in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, and the need for government regulation to ensure safety, ethics, and accessibility.

CRISPR weight loss context

White fat cells are commonly known as "bad" fat cells because they store energy in areas like the abdomen. In proposed CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) -based weight loss treatments, these cells are extracted and edited using a specialized technique based on CRISPR technology that transforms these cells into brown or good fat cells, helping patients lose weight.

Researchers from the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, among others, released proof-of-concept work in 2020 that might help make CRISPR-based weight loss therapies a reality. During ongoing experiments, a CRISPR-based therapy was used to alter human white fat cells to behave more like brown fat cells. While this intervention may not lead to significant variations in body weight, there are significant changes in glucose homeostasis, ranging from 5 to 10 percent, which is critical for the management of diabetes. As a result, the focus of obesity research is gradually turning to cell and gene therapies.

Researchers from the University of California used CRISPR to boost the satiety elevating genes SIM1 and MC4R in obese mice models. At Hanyang University in Seoul, researchers inhibited the obesity-inducing gene FABP4 in white adipose tissue using a CRISPR interference method, leading to mice losing 20 percent of their original weight. In addition, according to researchers at Harvard, HUMBLE (human brown fat-like) cells may activate existing brown adipose tissue in the body by increasing levels of the chemical nitric oxide, which can regulate energy metabolism and body composition. These findings prove the feasibility of utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 to induce brown fat-like characteristics in a patient's white fat mass.

Disruptive impact

The accessibility of CRISPR-based obesity therapies by the mid-2030s may provide a new option for weight loss, particularly for those who find traditional methods ineffective. However, the initial high cost of these therapies may limit their availability to only those with severe and immediate weight-loss needs. Over time, as the technology becomes more refined and costs decrease, it may become a more widely available solution, potentially altering the way obesity is treated on a global scale.

For companies, especially those in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, the development of these therapies may open up new markets and opportunities for growth. The increased interest in similar research could lead to more funding and collaboration between various stakeholders, including research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers. This trend may also drive competition, leading to the development of more efficient and affordable therapies, which could benefit a broader range of patients.

Governments may need to play a vital role in regulating and supporting the development and implementation of CRISPR-based obesity therapies. Ensuring safety, ethical considerations, and accessibility will be key challenges that need to be addressed. Governments may also need to invest in education and public awareness campaigns to help people understand the potential benefits and risks of this new approach to weight loss.

Implications of CRISPR weight loss therapies

Wider implications of CRISPR weight loss therapies may include:

Helping to reduce the annual number of global deaths associated with medical complications due to obesity, leading to a healthier population and potentially lowering healthcare costs related to obesity-related diseases.

Increasing investment in additional CRISPR-based research initiatives that may produce a range of enhancements to human health, from anti-aging to cancer treatment, leading to a broader spectrum of medical solutions.

Supporting the growth of cosmetic clinics by providing them with an avenue to begin providing genetic-based beauty interventions, in addition to their standard surgery and injection offerings, leading to diversification in the beauty industry.

Reduced reliance on pharmaceutical weight-loss products, leading to shifts in the pharmaceutical industry's focus and revenue streams.

Governments implementing regulations and ethical guidelines for CRISPR-based therapies, leading to standardized practices and ensuring patient safety and accessibility.

The potential reduction in the need for invasive weight-loss surgeries, leading to changes in surgical practices and possibly lowering the risks associated with such procedures.

A shift in public perception and social norms regarding weight loss and body image, leading to more acceptance of genetic interventions as a viable option for personal health and well-being.

The creation of new job opportunities in biotechnology, genetic counseling, and specialized medical care, leading to growth in these sectors and requiring new educational programs and certifications.

Economic disparities in access to CRISPR-based obesity therapies, leading to potential inequalities in healthcare, and requiring policy interventions to ensure that these therapies are accessible to all socioeconomic groups.