Baseline brain mechanisms of hunger and satiety
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Baseline brain mechanisms of hunger and satiety
IRAS ID
353856
Contact name
Stephanie Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge (joint sponsors)
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This project is a staged research study designed to complement the upcoming Phase 3 trial of ARD-101, a bitter taste receptor agonist being tested for the treatment of hyperphagia (a very high drive to eat). While the Phase 3 trial will be carried out in the USA, UK, and several other regions, our study will be conducted at the University of Cambridge as a secondary but complementary piece of research.
In our study, we will combine observational and behavioural assessments with advanced brain imaging and measurements of gut hormones to explore the biological and neurological factors that influence hunger and fullness. By identifying potential baseline biomarkers and mechanisms of appetite control, this work aims to build a clearer picture of how energy balance is regulated in everyday eating and in hyperphagia, which is a key feature of Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Importantly, these insights could also help us better understand obesity more broadly.
The first stage of the research (Stage 1) will focus on collecting baseline information from people with PWS and from typically developing controls, both in fasted and non-fasted states. These measures will provide the foundation for later stages of the study that will involve ARD-101 administration.
By integrating ultra-high-field neuroimaging with detailed behavioural profiling in well-characterized PWS and neurotypical cohorts, this project offers a unique opportunity to inform the design of future clinical trial outcomes and deepen our understanding of how the brain regulates appetite.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0903
Date of REC Opinion
12 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion