Biosortia Microbiomics-MC4R-MC3R-MC5R-GHSR-OPRM1-OPRD1-5-HT2C-HTR2C-C3AR1-NPY1R-small molecule-oral-obesity-weight loss-metabolic syndrome

Biosortia Microbiomics is developing a first-in-class, oral, gut-restricted small molecule for the treatment of obesity, weight loss, and metabolic syndrome. This candidate utilizes a polypharmacology approach to target multiple biological pathways involved in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis. The mechanism of action includes agonism of the melanocortin receptors (MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R) and the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor, alongside antagonism of the ghrelin receptor (GHSR) and neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 (NPY1R). Additionally, the molecule modulates the opioid axis via OPRM1 and OPRD1 and targets the complement C3a receptor (C3AR1). By remaining gut-restricted, the therapy is designed to trigger metabolic signaling locally in the gastrointestinal tract, aiming to achieve systemic-like efficacy while minimizing the central nervous system side effects typically associated with these targets.