UC Berkeley researchers identify potential obesity treatment TOFA

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have identified a molecular compound that may offer a new approach to treating obesity and diabetes. The compound, known as 5-tetradecyloxy-2-furoic acid (TOFA), was studied in mice and published in the journal ‘Science Advances’.

Unlike GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, which primarily work by suppressing appetite, TOFA targets energy expenditure. In mouse trials, the compound helped burn fat by activating specific receptors (PPARa and PPARd) and blocking lipid production, without increasing caloric intake or physical activity. Notably, the mice lost weight through fat loss rather than muscle loss, and the compound did not appear to raise triglyceride levels, a common side effect of previous ACC inhibitors.

While the results are promising for improving insulin sensitivity and glucose control, the treatment has currently only been tested in mice. The research aims to address common side effects of existing weight-loss drugs, such as nausea, nutritional deficiencies, and the loss of lean muscle mass.