Adipotide (FTPP)

Key points

• Adipotide (FTPP) is a research peptide intended to target the blood vessels that feed fat tissue.
• In obese animals it led to weight loss, but it also caused kidney toxicity.
• It has not advanced into established human use, largely because of those safety concerns.
• It has no UK marketing authorisation and is sold only for research use.

Quick facts

What it is

Experimental fat targeting peptide

Studied for

Weight loss (animal studies)

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; sold for research use

Human evidence

None; animal studies showed kidney toxicity

How it works

Fat tissue, like any tissue, needs a blood supply. Adipotide was designed to home in on the blood vessels serving fat and trigger them to break down, effectively starving the fat. In animal studies this reduced fat, but the same approach affected the kidneys, which are also rich in blood vessels.

What the evidence shows

The notable results are from animal studies, including work in obese monkeys. The kidney toxicity seen there is a serious obstacle, and the compound has not been shown to be safe or effective in people.

What it does not settle

• There is no evidence of safe, effective use in humans.
• Kidney toxicity seen in animals is a major concern.
• There is no established human dose.

Side effects

Less common but serious

• Kidney damage was seen in animal studies, which is the main reason it has not progressed.
• Because there is no licensed product, the dose, purity and contents of material bought online cannot be verified.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

Adipotide has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. It is sold online as a research chemical, with no checks on quality or safety.

Common questions