Branched Chain Amino Acid Prodrug to Increase Muscle and Reduce Fat

Advantage and Core Benefit

• Combination of efficacy and safety proven ingredients and additive.
• Possibly useful for amyotrophic symptoms, such as sarcopenia, cachexia, muscle atrophies, dystrophies, as well as obesity.

Background and Technology

Leucine Isoleucine, and Valine, collectively dubbed “branched chain amino acid (BCAA)” are widely known to promote muscle synthesis and have been taken by athletes as supplements. However, its effects are limited probably because BCAA is easily excreted from the body.
To overcome the drawback, the team of researchers has successfully synthesized a prodrug; BCAA peptide and polyethylene glycol block copolymer that forms micelles (Nano^BCAA: Fig1). Orally administered Nano^BCAA is trapped in the villi of intestine, gradually degraded by intestinal enzymes and releases BCAA. Moreover, Nano^BCAA demonstrates fat reduction effect as well in vivo.

Data

• 20 nm Nano^Leu was fabricated (Fig.1), and effects were confirmed in mouse model.
• Nano^Leu free drink increased muscle strength over time, running capacity and muscle mass (Fig.2) after 4 weeks.
• Similar results obtained by Nano^Ile, Nano^Val
• Nano^BCAA demonstrated reduction in body (subcutaneous/visceral) fat in mice (Fig.3).

Patent &Publications

Patent filed, not published.
Partly presented in the Japan Society of DDS, 2024, etc.

Researchers

Dr. Yukio Nagasaki (University of Tsukuba)
Dr. Nobuyuki Morimoto and Dr. Takuto Toriumi (Shimane University)

Expectations

We are seeking companies who can in-license and commercialize the technology.
Details can be disclosed under CDA.
Samples are available under material transfer agreement.

Project ID:KJ-05045a