Federal Grant Award Summary

Targeting Stress Axes to Enhance the Efficacy of Weight Loss Therapeutics

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded Georgia State University Research Foundation Inc. $802,008 in Project Grant funding (CFDA 93.847: Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research) beginning June 1, 2026, with completion targeted for February 28, 2031. This research project investigates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as a therapeutic target to improve the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist weight-loss medications. The research addresses critical limitations of current obesity pharmacotherapies, specifically their tendency to reduce muscle mass disproportionately and their lack of sustained benefit following treatment discontinuation.

The funded research aims to explore interactions between GLP-1R agonists and HPA axis activation, with particular focus on corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRF) as a potential intervention point. By examining how elevated stress hormones (glucocorticoids) contribute to the adverse metabolic effects observed with GLP-1R agonist treatment, the research seeks to develop strategies that enhance weight loss quality while preserving lean muscle mass and improving treatment persistence. The deliverables include novel research findings and therapeutic strategies intended to advance the scientific foundation for improved obesity treatment outcomes, supporting NIDDK's mission to promote biomedical research that improves prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of metabolic diseases.