Evidence Grade D — Primarily preclinical. 18 published studies, mostly animal models. 0 registered clinical trials.
Medically reviewed by a licensed medical professional
Dirlotapide (Slentrol) is a small molecule drug — not a peptide — approved exclusively for obese dogs. It has no approval for human use. It is included in this database because its mechanism (blocking fat absorption) connects to peptide hormone signalling cascades that control appetite. It was the first drug ever approved specifically for canine obesity.
Dirlotapide is also known by these brand and alternate names:
18 published studies: 3 human, 13 animal, 3 in-vitro, 2 reviews
Dirlotapide is approved exclusively for veterinary use in obese dogs. It has no approval for human use. Pivotal canine trials (245 dogs) showed 14–16% weight loss. Weight rebounded after treatment cessation without dietary management.
Dirlotapide is not a peptide and is not approved for human use. Its inclusion reflects the broader metabolic pathway context. The compound's mechanism illustrates how gut fat sensing triggers peptide hormone responses that suppress appetite.
Dirlotapide blocks the enzyme (MTP) that assembles dietary fat into transport particles in the gut lining. This prevents fat absorption and, through peptide hormone signalling cascades (PYY, GLP-1), also triggers appetite suppression. Approximately 90% of the weight loss effect in dogs comes from reduced food intake rather than fat malabsorption directly.
Research suggests trials in dogs (245 animals) showed 14-16% weight loss, with approximately 90% of the effect coming from reduced food intake rather than direct fat malabsorption. Weight rebounded after treatment stopped unless dietary management was maintained. No human development was pursued because a related compound tested in humans caused liver enzyme elevations. The compound illustrates how gut fat sensing triggers peptide hormone responses (PYY, GLP-1) that suppress appetite — a concept that connects to the broader metabolic peptide field.
PeptideTrace tracks 0 registered clinical trials for Dirlotapide sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
No trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov for this compound.
Dirlotapide (brand name Slentrol) is a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor. NOTE: This is a small molecule, NOT a peptide. Molecular weight 674.71 Da; molecular formula C40H33F3N4O3. CAS number: 481658-94-0. Originally developed by Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis). FDA veterinary-approved oral liquid solution for management of obesity in dogs. No human therapeutic development has been pursued due to mechanism-based hepatotoxicity risk identified with related compounds.
Research suggests dirlotapide selectively inhibits gut microsomal triglyceride transfer protein with 37.5:1 intestinal-to-hepatic selectivity, blocking chylomicron assembly and secretion in enterocytes. Approximately 90% of the weight loss effect derives from reduced food intake mediated by peptide YY satiety signaling triggered by intracellular lipid accumulation in intestinal cells; only approximately 10% results from direct fat malabsorption. This mechanism preferentially targets the gut rather than the liver to minimize hepatotoxicity.
Research suggests the pivotal canine trials (N=245 dogs, randomized 2:1 to treatment or placebo) demonstrated mean weight loss of 14.0-15.9% over approximately 6 months compared with placebo (P less than or equal to 0.05). Weight loss was primarily derived from fat tissue. Weight rebounded after treatment cessation when dietary management was not implemented concurrently. The compound was administered as an oral liquid with dose titration based on weight loss response.
The information on this page is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
Semaglutide is one of the most extensively studied peptide medications available today, with clinical trial data spanning over 50,000 patients. It is sold as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes (approved 2017), Rybelsus as an oral tablet for diabetes (approved 2019), and Wegovy for weight management (approved 2021). Wegovy has since received additional approvals for reducing heart attack and stroke risk, for use in adolescents aged 12 and older, and for liver disease related to obesity. In clinical trials, patients taking Wegovy lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks, and the SELECT trial demonstrated a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Research is now exploring its potential in early Alzheimer's disease. The main side effects are gastrointestinal, particularly nausea, and a key limitation is that most weight tends to return after stopping treatment.
Bimagrumab is in Phase II/III development (not yet approved). A Phase II trial (75 patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity) showed 20.5% fat mass reduction with 3.6% lean mass increase — essentially reshaping body composition without net appetite suppression. The BELIEVE Phase IIb trial (507 patients) showed that bimagrumab plus semaglutide achieved 22% weight loss with the weight lost being 88% fat — significantly better body composition than semaglutide alone. Bimagrumab is not a peptide. Its strategic significance is as a combination partner to address the muscle loss problem inherent in weight loss with current obesity drugs. Eli Lilly's acquisition positions it alongside tirzepatide.
Pemvidutide is in Phase II/III development (not yet approved). In the MOMENTUM Phase II trial (391 patients, 48 weeks), the 2.4 mg dose achieved 15.6% weight loss. Body composition analysis showed 78% of weight lost was fat mass, with only 22% lean mass — a favourable ratio. A Phase IIb MASH trial (212 patients) showed MASH resolution in up to 75% of patients at the highest dose. Pemvidutide's balanced receptor profile and no-titration dosing regimen represent potential practical advantages. The high rate of MASH resolution in Phase II positions it as a candidate for liver disease indications alongside obesity.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
