Adipotide

Adipotide (CKGGRAKDC-GG-D(KLAKLAK)2) is a peptidomimetic chimeric compound consisting of two functional domains: a targeting peptide (CKGGRAKDC) that binds specifically to prohibitin on the surface of blood vessels supplying white adipose tissue, and a pro-apoptotic D-amino acid peptide sequence (D(KLAKLAK)2) that disrupts mitochondrial membrane integrity upon internalization. This targeted vascular disruption approach represents a unique mechanism in metabolic research, as it induces adipose tissue reduction by cutting off the blood supply to fat depots rather than directly acting on adipocytes. Preclinical studies in obese rhesus monkeys demonstrated significant reductions in body weight and body mass index, along with improvements in insulin resistance and abdominal circumference. The targeted nature of Adipotide makes it a valuable research tool for studying vascular biology of adipose tissue, prohibitin biology, and targeted drug delivery approaches in metabolic disease models.