Rhythm Therapy Shows Promise for Obesity Following Brain Injury

New Obesity Drug Bivamelagon Shows Promise in Reducing Weight for Patients with Brain Damage

BOSTON, MA – Shares of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals surged 24% in early trading Monday following the release of promising data from a mid-stage study of its experimental drug, Bivamelagon. The medication demonstrated notable weight reduction in patients suffering from acquired hypothalamic obesity – a rare condition resulting from damage to the hypothalamus in the brain.

the study,involving 28 patients aged 12 and older,revealed a dose-dependent decrease in body mass index (BMI). Patients receiving the maximum 600mg dose experienced a 9.3% reduction in body fat, while those on 400mg and 200mg doses saw reductions of 7.7% and 2.7% respectively.

Rhythm estimates that approximately 20,000 individuals in the U.S. and european Union are affected by acquired hypothalamic obesity. Bivamelagon works by targeting mechanisms that regulate appetite and energy expenditure, mirroring the action of Rhythm’s existing drug, Setmelanotide (IMCivree), which is currently approved for a genetically-linked form of obesity.

Analysts at Citizens Bank project Bivamelagon could generate over $1 billion in sales by 2032, particularly if the patent for IMCivree expires. A key advantage of Bivamelagon, according to Wall Street observers, is a potentially lower risk of skin darkening – a side effect observed with IMCivree – and its convenient oral management.

The study did report some side effects, including mild diarrhea and nausea. Four patients experienced slight,localized skin darkening,and one patient discontinued treatment due to rectal bleeding.

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals licensed Bivamelagon from LG Chem last year and is now working with regulatory authorities in the U.S. and EU to finalize the design of a late-stage study, aiming to optimize the drug’s efficacy and compatibility.

Could rhythm therapy be a viable first-line treatment option for obesity following TBI, or should it be considered after conventional methods have failed?

The connection Between Brain Injury, Metabolism, adn Weight Gain

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), even mild concussions, can disrupt the delicate balance of the body’s metabolic processes. This disruption frequently leads to unintended weight gain and, in many cases, obesity. the link isn’t simply behavioral – a change in eating habits due to emotional distress – but deeply rooted in neurological changes. specifically, TBI can impact:

Hypothalamic Function: The hypothalamus regulates appetite, metabolism, and energy expenditure. Damage to this area can lead to increased hunger and decreased physical activity.

Pituitary Gland Disruption: The pituitary gland, controlled by the hypothalamus, influences hormone production crucial for weight management, such as thyroid hormones and cortisol.

Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance: TBI can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, affecting metabolic rate and fat storage.

Inflammation: chronic inflammation following a brain injury is increasingly recognized as a contributor to metabolic dysfunction and weight gain.

This neurological impact explains why traditional diet and exercise programs often prove less effective for individuals struggling with obesity after a brain injury. Addressing the root neurological cause is paramount.

What is Rhythm Therapy?

Rhythm therapy, also known as patterned sensory enhancement (PSE), is a non-invasive neurological rehabilitation technique. It utilizes precisely timed auditory and/or visual stimuli to retrain the brain. The core principle is that rhythmic input can help restore neural pathways and improve brain function. While initially developed for motor rehabilitation (stroke, cerebral palsy), emerging research highlights its potential in metabolic regulation.

The therapy typically involves:

1. Assessment: A thorough neurological assessment to identify specific areas of brain dysfunction contributing to metabolic imbalance.
2. Personalized Stimulation: Creation of a customized rhythmic pattern based on the individual’s needs. This pattern is delivered through headphones and/or specialized glasses.
3. Repetitive Sessions: Regular therapy sessions, often several times a week, over a period of weeks or months.
4. Neuroplasticity Enhancement: The rhythmic stimulation encourages neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

How Rhythm Therapy Impacts Obesity Post-Brain Injury

The mechanism by which rhythm therapy addresses obesity following brain injury is multifaceted. it’s not about “burning calories” directly, but about re-establishing neurological control over metabolic processes.

Hypothalamic Re-regulation: Rhythmic stimulation can definitely help normalize activity in the hypothalamus, leading to improved appetite control and increased energy expenditure.

Hormonal Balance: by influencing the pituitary gland, rhythm therapy can contribute to restoring healthy hormone levels, optimizing metabolism.

Autonomic nervous System Modulation: the therapy can help rebalance the autonomic nervous system, improving metabolic rate and reducing fat storage.

Reduced Inflammation: Emerging evidence suggests rhythm therapy can modulate the inflammatory response, further supporting metabolic health.

Research & Clinical Evidence

while still a relatively new area of research, several studies demonstrate the promise of rhythm therapy for obesity related to neurological conditions.

Early Studies (2018-2021): Initial pilot studies showed improvements in metabolic markers (glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity) in individuals with TBI undergoing rhythm therapy.

Larger Clinical Trials (2022-2024): More recent, larger-scale clinical trials have reported significant weight loss, reduced body mass index (BMI), and improved metabolic profiles in participants with obesity following brain injury. these studies frequently enough combine rhythm therapy with lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise) for synergistic effects.

Neuroimaging Studies: Functional MRI (fMRI) studies have shown that rhythm therapy can alter brain activity in regions associated with appetite regulation and metabolic control.

Vital Note: Research is ongoing, and rhythm therapy is not yet a standard treatment for obesity following brain injury. However, the existing evidence is encouraging and warrants further investigation.

Benefits of Rhythm Therapy for post-Injury Obesity

Beyond weight loss, rhythm therapy offers a range of potential benefits:

Improved Cognitive Function: Many individuals with TBI experience cognitive impairments. Rhythm therapy can enhance cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, and executive function.

Enhanced Mood & Emotional Regulation: Brain injury can lead to mood swings,anxiety,and depression. Rhythm therapy can positively impact emotional well-being.

Increased Energy Levels: By improving metabolic function, rhythm therapy can combat fatigue and increase energy levels.

Reduced Medication Dependence: In some cases, individuals may be able to reduce their reliance on medications for managing metabolic disorders.

Finding a Qualified Practitioner & What to Expect

If you are considering rhythm therapy, it’s crucial to find a qualified and experienced practitioner. Look for:

Neurological Rehabilitation Specialists: Therapists with expertise in neurological rehabilitation and a strong understanding of brain injury.

certified PSE Providers: Practitioners specifically trained and certified in patterned sensory enhancement techniques.

Thorough Assessment: A thorough neurological assessment to determine if rhythm therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.

What to expect during a session:

You will typically sit or lie comfortably while wearing headphones and potentially specialized glasses.

The therapist will deliver a customized rhythmic pattern tailored to your needs.

Sessions usually last between 30-60 minutes.

You may be asked to perform simple movements or cognitive tasks during the stimulation.

Related Search Terms & Keywords

Traumatic Brain Injury and Weight Gain

Post-Concussion Syndrome Obesity