Description
Tesofensine is a selective serotonin norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SNDRI), which works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters; dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, play significant roles in regulating mood, appetite and energy expenditure. Tesofensine belongs to a class of drugs called “triple reuptake inhibitors” (TRIs), which were designed to tackle depression. Tesofensine was originally developed to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, its ability to suppress appetite and promote weight loss has led to its potential in treating obesity, also labeling it as an anti obesity drug.
Tesofensine works by inhibiting the reuptake of three critical neurotransmitters: serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE). This increases their concentration in the synaptic cleft, which is the microscopic gap between neurons where neurotransmitters communicate signals, amplifying their effects. These combined effects target the hypothalamus, the brain region responsible for hunger regulation, leading to reduced appetite and increased metabolic rate. Tesofensine’s impact on these pathways makes it a unique weight loss agent.
Tesofensine has undergone several clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy and safety as a weight-loss medication. A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed its impact on body weight and body composition. This clinical trial demonstrated that tesofensine might lead to significant weight loss approximately twice that of currently approved drugs in overweight and obese subjects, without increase in blood pressure. Several other placebo controlled trials also show tesofensine’s promising potential to treat obesity.
