A NEW type of fat jab is being trialled on humans for the first time.
Inventors claim they can modify RNA genetic material to rewire the metabolism and aid weight loss without dieting.
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The experimental injection, made by Italian firm Resalis Therapeutics, is designed to block genes that control how the body digests and stores fat.
It is hoped this will trigger a reset to boost fat-burning in obese people, whose bodies are more likely to store it up.
About 30 per cent of people in the UK are obese and another 30 per cent are overweight.
The creator, Dr Riccardo Panella, reckons his drug could have an edge over jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro by tackling the root causes of obesity instead of simply switching off hunger.
Read more on weight loss jabs
Weight regain after jabs ‘less likely’
He said: “RES-010 works by reprogramming how cells handle fat and energy.
“Rather than reducing appetite, it changes the way in which the body uses fats and helps convert white fat, which stores energy, into brown fat, which burns it.
“Because it acts on these fundamental pathways, weight regain is less likely.”
It is being trialled on up to 80 people in the first phase of human testing, with results expected early next year.
Phase one is early stage research, meaning it could still take a decade before patients can get the drug.
Experiments in the lab and on mice and monkeys suggested it will work without significant side effects, Dr Panella told the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.
Mice lost 12 per cent more weight than those not given the injection, even if they ate the same food.
And the weight did not appear to be regained after treatment was stopped.
The injection is given once a week, similarly to the blockbuster fat jabs currently taking the UK by storm.
More than 1.5million people are estimated to be using the current injections, known as GLP-1 drugs, but many will pile the pounds back on when treatment stops.
Patients also suffer unpleasant side effects and may lose muscle as well as fat, or see their bones get weaker.
Dr Adam Collins, a nutrition professor at the University of Surrey, is not involved with the new drug and commented: “I would be wary of claims of ‘reprogramming the metabolism’.
“The exact mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear.”
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS JABS ON THE NHS?
NHS eligibility for weight loss injections has expanded but still lags behind the number who could potentially benefit from taking them.
Wegovy, medical name semaglutide, is only available for weight loss through specialist weight management clinics.
Patients are typically expected to have tried other weight loss methods before getting a prescription.
They may be eligible if their body mass index (BMI) is higher than 30, or higher than 27 if they have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.
Mounjaro, known as tirzepatide, is also available from GP practices but currently only to patients with a BMI of 40 or higher (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) plus four weight-related health conditions.
The medicines are currently being rationed to the patients most in need.
NHS watchdog NICE estimates that more than three million Brits will ultimately be eligible.
The GLP-1 injections are prescribed separately by GPs for people with type 2 diabetes, and patients should discuss this with their doctor.
