A New Fat-Burning Molecule: SANA Preserves Muscle and Boosts Energy — A New Step in Obesity Treatment

An Alternative to Weight-Loss Injections? SANA, the First Creatine-Driven Fat-Burning Molecule

Obesity and type 2 diabetes threaten health and healthcare systems worldwide. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide have transformed treatment, but appetite suppression can bring muscle loss, gastrointestinal side effects and limitations. Some patients cannot tolerate them.

SANA, developed by Uruguay's Eolo Pharma, takes a different approach: increasing energy expenditure rather than suppressing appetite to reduce body fat.

📌 This article is based on research published on 17 June 2025 in Nature Metabolism , titledA nitroalkene derivative of salicylate, SANA, induces creatine-dependent thermogenesis and promotes weight loss.

What Is SANA, and How Does It Work?

SANA (MVD1)is a nitroalkene-modified form of salicylate, an aspirin-like molecule. It triggers creatine-dependent heat production (thermogenesis), helping fat tissue burn more calories.

⚠️ Creatineis a rapid energy reserve in muscle and brain cells; creatinine is the waste product of creatine breakdown, excreted by the kidneys. Creatine supports energy production; creatinine is its waste.

SANA differs from conventional thermogenesis pathways involving UCP1 or AMPK : it activates a different creatine route to increase heat production.

• Does Not Affect Appetite; directly increases cellular energy-burning capacity.
• Does Not Cause Muscle Loss; muscle is preserved or may increase while fat decreases.
• Turns white and brown fat cells into a beige form with heat-producing properties.

What Was Observed in Mice?

The Nature Metabolism study comprehensively evaluated SANA in obese mouse models:

• Produced at 93% purity, SANA almost completely prevented weight gain despite a high-calorie diet.
• After 8 weeks of treatment, fat tissue fell substantially while muscle proportion increased.
• Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose and fatty liver improved markedly, along with inflammation.
• β-GPA, which disrupts creatine metabolism, abolished SANA's effects, demonstrating creatine dependence.

How Promising Are the Human Findings?

First-in-human Phase 1a/1b trials in Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand involved 41 healthy volunteers:

• Safety and tolerability were very good. Only the highest dose (800 mg) caused a mild, temporary kidney effect.
• After 15 days:
  • Body weight fell by around 3% (similar to semaglutide over the same period).
  • HOMA-IR and fructosamine improved significantly .
  • Diet and activity remained unchanged during treatment.

Key Numerical Findings

Potential Advantages as an Alternative to GLP-1 Treatment

• No Appetite Suppression: May reduce side effects.
• Muscle Preservation: Lower sarcopenia risk.
• Independent of UCP1 or AMPK: Activates new biological pathways.
• Oral and Subcutaneous Forms: May improve real-world adherence.

Looking Ahead: When Might It Be Available?

If Phase 2 trials succeed, SANA could reach the market within 4–5 years, potentially opening a new obesity-treatment era.

Conclusion: Creatine-Driven Heat, Fat-Driven Weight Loss

SANA represents a different approach: helping the body burn more instead of eat less. Long-term safety and efficacy data are still being gathered, but current findings suggest potential for a first-in-class drug.