Adipotide: Fat-Targeting Research Peptide
Adipotide (also known as FTPP or prohibitin-targeting peptide 1) is an experimental peptide that targets blood vessels supplying white fat tissue. While research showed dramatic weight loss in animal studies, clinical trials were discontinued due to kidney toxicity concerns.
What Is Adipotide?
Adipotide is a synthetic peptidomimetic with the sequence CKGGRAKDC-GG-D(KLAKLAK)₂. It consists of two functional parts:
- Targeting domain (CKGGRAKDC): Binds to prohibitin-1 and annexin A2 receptors on blood vessels feeding white fat
- Proapoptotic domain (D(KLAKLAK)₂): Triggers programmed cell death after entering target cells
Unlike typical weight loss compounds that work through metabolism or appetite, Adipotide takes a unique approach by cutting off blood supply to fat tissue.
How Adipotide Works
Mechanism of Action
- Vascular Targeting: The peptide binds to prohibitin receptors highly expressed on endothelial cells of blood vessels supplying adipose tissue
- Cellular Entry: After binding, cells internalize the peptide through receptor-mediated endocytosis
- Mitochondrial Disruption: The KLAKLAK sequence disrupts mitochondrial membranes
- Apoptosis: Mitochondrial damage triggers cytochrome c release and programmed cell death
- Fat Reduction: Blood vessels shrink, fat cells lose blood supply and undergo apoptosis
This mechanism is called "vascular targeting" — destroying the infrastructure that supports fat tissue rather than the fat cells directly.
Research and Clinical Trials
Animal Studies
Mouse Studies (2004)
- Adipotide treatment reduced food intake and body weight
- Mice on high-fat diets lost significant white fat mass
- Effects were dose-dependent and reversible
Monkey Studies (2011)
- Obese rhesus monkeys lost approximately 11% body weight in 4 weeks
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance
- MRI confirmed substantial reduction in white adipose tissue
- Kidney changes were observed but considered reversible
Human Clinical Trials
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Phase 1 Trial (2012)
- Study: NCT01262664
- Population: Patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer
- Design: 28-day dosing cycle, dose-escalation study
- Status: Discontinued
- Reason: Universal kidney toxicity at all tested doses
The trial aimed to evaluate safety, maximum tolerated dose, and measure weight loss. However, every participant experienced kidney function changes, leading to early termination.
Safety Profile and Side Effects
Known Side Effects
Kidney Effects (Universal Finding)
- Elevated creatinine levels (kidney function marker)
- Tubular degeneration and regeneration
- Single-cell necrosis in renal tubules
- Effects appeared dose-dependent
Animal Study Observations
- Temporary fatigue
- Mild dehydration
- Reduced food intake
- Kidney changes (considered reversible in monkeys)
Critical Safety Concerns
⚠️ Adipotide is NOT approved for human use
- Kidney toxicity: 100% occurrence rate in human trials
- Unclear long-term effects: Human data extremely limited
- Irreversible damage risk: Kidney effects in humans may differ from animal models
- No approved therapeutic use: Development halted due to safety concerns
Dosing Information
Research Protocols (Animal Studies)
Mouse Studies
- 3 mg/kg subcutaneous daily
- 27-day treatment duration
Monkey Studies
- Starting dose: 0.05 mg/kg
- Maximum dose: 0.75 mg/kg
- Administered subcutaneously
- Kidney changes observed at 0.75 mg/kg dose
Human Trial Protocol
- Started at very low doses
- 28-day cycle
- All doses produced kidney toxicity
- Trial discontinued before establishing safe dose
Community Dosing Data
⚠️ Peptok does not recommend using Adipotide. Due to universal kidney toxicity in human trials and lack of FDA approval, this peptide carries unacceptable safety risks.
Any reported community dosing represents extremely high-risk experimentation and should not be followed.
Current Status
- FDA Approval: None
- Clinical Development: Discontinued (2012-2013)
- Research Status: Minimal ongoing research
- Availability: Research chemical suppliers only (not for human consumption)
Why Adipotide Development Stopped
Despite promising weight loss results, Adipotide's development was halted because:
- Universal Toxicity: Every human participant experienced kidney effects
- No Safe Dose: Toxicity occurred at all tested doses
- Better Alternatives: GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) proved safer and effective
- Irreversibility Risk: Unknown if kidney damage would be permanent with repeated dosing
Comparison to Approved Weight Loss Peptides
Adipotide (Discontinued)
- Mechanism: Blood vessel destruction
- FDA Approved: No
- Weight Loss: ~11% (4 weeks, monkeys)
- Safety: Kidney toxicity
- Status: Discontinued
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist
- FDA Approved: Yes
- Weight Loss: ~15% (68 weeks, humans)
- Safety: Generally safe
- Status: Widely prescribed
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
- Mechanism: GLP-1 + GIP dual agonist
- FDA Approved: Yes
- Weight Loss: ~21% (72 weeks, humans)
- Safety: Generally safe
- Status: Widely prescribed
Scientific Interest
While Adipotide itself failed as a therapeutic, the research contributed to understanding:
- Vascular targeting approaches for obesity
- Prohibitin's role in fat tissue biology
- Peptide-based tissue-specific targeting
- Limitations of apoptosis-based therapies
The concept of targeting fat blood supply remains scientifically interesting but requires solutions to the toxicity problem.
Is Adipotide safe for weight loss?
No. Human clinical trials showed 100% kidney toxicity occurrence. The FDA has not approved Adipotide, and its development was discontinued due to safety concerns.
Can I buy Adipotide for research?
Some research chemical suppliers offer Adipotide labeled "for research purposes only." However, human use outside clinical trials is illegal and extremely dangerous.
How much weight can Adipotide help you lose?
Monkey studies showed approximately 11% body weight loss over 4 weeks. However, this came with significant kidney toxicity. Human data is insufficient due to early trial termination.
Why did Adipotide fail when it worked in monkeys?
The kidney toxicity seen in monkeys at high doses was deemed reversible. In humans, the toxicity appeared at lower doses and affected all participants, raising concerns about permanent damage and lack of a safe therapeutic window.
Are there safer alternatives to Adipotide?
Yes. FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) produce similar or better weight loss without the severe kidney toxicity. These represent much safer, proven options.
What happened to Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals' Adipotide program?
Arrowhead discontinued Adipotide development around 2012-2013 after Phase 1 trials revealed universal kidney toxicity. The company shifted focus to RNA interference therapeutics.
The Bottom Line
Adipotide represents a fascinating proof-of-concept for vascular targeting in obesity treatment. The peptide successfully demonstrated that cutting off blood supply to fat tissue can produce rapid weight loss.
However, the universal kidney toxicity in human trials makes Adipotide unsafe for therapeutic use. The development of safer, more effective alternatives like semaglutide and tirzepatide has made Adipotide obsolete as a potential obesity treatment.
For weight loss, stick to FDA-approved options or work with a healthcare provider on evidence-based approaches. Adipotide remains a research curiosity, not a viable therapeutic option.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Adipotide is not approved for human use and has demonstrated significant safety risks. Do not use Adipotide outside supervised clinical research. For weight management, consult a qualified healthcare provider about safe, effective, FDA-approved options.
Last Updated: February 2026
Research Status: Discontinued
FDA Status: Not approved
Safety Classification: High risk — kidney toxicity