lactate-ketone ester

Lactate-ketone ester (LaKe) is a novel, synthetic, salt-free dual-metabolite ester composed of (S)-lactate and (R)-1,3-butanediol. Developed by researchers at Aarhus University and commercialized by the spinout Mmimetika Biosciences, LaKe is designed to mimic the metabolic and physiological benefits of strenuous exercise and fasting. Upon oral ingestion, the ester is rapidly hydrolyzed to release (S)-lactate and (R)-1,3-butanediol, the latter of which is oxidized in the liver to (R)-beta-hydroxybutyrate (D-BHB). These metabolites act as signaling molecules and cellular fuels, activating hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1) and hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2), respectively. This dual elevation of lactate and ketones suppresses lipolysis, reduces free fatty acids, increases appetite-suppressing hormones like GLP-1 and Lac-Phe, and improves insulin sensitivity, making it a promising candidate for the management of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Other names

(3R)-3-hydroxybutyl (2S)-2-hydroxypropanoate(R)-1,3-butanediol (S)-lactate esterLaKeLaKe esterlactate-ketone ester