Researchers have identified an antibody that breaks down a known appetite stimulant, which may curb the desire to eat, according to an article published in an online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute found that an antibody catalyst called GHR-11E11 increased the metabolic rate of fasting mice and decreased their food consumption, even after the mice went 24 hours without food. GHR-11E11 counteracts the hormone ghrelin, an appetite stimulant that promotes weight gain and fat storage. Normally, ghrelin is released during periods of calorie restriction in order to encourage eating.

The scientists discovered that, in mice, GHR-11E11 can find and break down ghrelin in order to modify eating behaviors. Their finding suggests that this antibody, in combination with other weight-loss strategies such as balanced nutrition, exercise, and weight-loss drugs, might also help people to reach and maintain their weight loss goals. More research is needed to better understand the effect of GHR-11E11 over the long-term, as well as to study its effect in humans.