Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
Cut from the same gene as ghrelin — but proposed to act in the opposite direction.
Part of the Metabolic & GLP-1 peptides cluster
Overview
Obestatin is a 23-amino-acid peptide cleaved from the same preproghrelin precursor that produces ghrelin. It was originally proposed to oppose ghrelin's appetite-stimulating effects, though its physiology and receptor remain actively debated in the research literature.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Stomach and small intestine (preproghrelin-derived)
Primary research or clinical context: Endogenous peptide studied in metabolism research; biology remains debated
Shared precursor with ghrelin
The ghrelin gene encodes a precursor that is processed into more than one bioactive peptide. Obestatin is derived from this same preproghrelin sequence, making it a striking example of how one gene can yield peptides with reportedly contrasting roles — the reason it is frequently discussed alongside ghrelin.
Contested biology
Early reports linked obestatin to appetite suppression and its proposed receptor, but subsequent studies produced mixed and sometimes conflicting results. It is best presented as an area of ongoing scientific investigation rather than settled physiology. This page is educational and describes that uncertainty rather than resolving it.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Reference mass unavailable
Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.
- Molecular form
- Obestatin (source record; form not independently established)
- Species
- Not established by this molecular identity audit
- Termini (N / C)
- Not specified / Not specified
Average reference mass
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- IUPHAR/BPS source snapshot · 2026-09-06
- IUPHAR ligand: 5336
Chemistry values: IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology · fetched 2026-09-06.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 252 registered studies with “Obestatin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-10-01). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07557628 | Study of the Hypothalamic Microglial Response as a Function of a Meal's Lipid Content in Humans. A Single-cent | — | recruiting | 2026-09-29 |
| NCT07171723 | Studying the Influence of LEAP2 on Integrated Endocrine Control of Eating During Semaglutide Treatment | Phase 2 | completed | 2026-09-29 |
| NCT05888961 | Single-center Prospective Longitudinal Study of Taste in Patients With Cognitive Disorders at Different Stages | Not applicable | recruiting | 2026-09-25 |
| NCT07584967 | A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of AC01 Compared to Placebo in Participants With Chronic Heart Fai | Phase 2 | not yet recruiting | 2026-09-14 |
| NCT07805772 | Effects of Different Exercise Types on Irisin, Leptin, and Ghrelin Levels in Sedentary Women | Not applicable | not yet recruiting | 2026-09-04 |
| NCT06948214 | Phase 3 Study of LUM-201 in Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency | Phase 3 | recruiting | 2026-09-04 |
FAQ about Obestatin
What is Obestatin?+
Obestatin is a 23-amino-acid peptide cleaved from the same preproghrelin precursor that produces ghrelin. It was originally proposed to oppose ghrelin's appetite-stimulating effects, though its physiology and receptor remain actively debated in the research literature.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Obestatin?+
Canadian product status for Obestatin has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the typical length of Obestatin?+
Obestatin is commonly described as approximately 23 amino acids (Gut hormone).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Lodeiro et al. (2025). Obestatin treatment links mitochondrial homeostasis and skeletal muscle repair in Duchenne muscle dystrophy. Mol Biomed
- 2.Santos-Zas et al. (2026). Obestatin: canonical and unexpected functions. Rev Endocr Metab Disord
- 3.Su et al. (2014). Obestatin and cardiovascular health. Peptides
- 4.Santos-Zas et al. (2026). Obestatin Treatment Counteracts Muscle Wasting by Reactivation of Autophagy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. MedComm (2020)
- 5.Trovato et al. (2014). Obestatin: is it really doing something?. Front Horm Res
- 6.Zoccali et al. (2018). Obestatin, a Ghrelin-Cognate Protein, and Clinical Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients. Am J Nephrol
- 7.Villarreal et al. (2022). Diverse and Complementary Effects of Ghrelin and Obestatin. Biomolecules
- 8.Santos-Zas et al. (2017). Obestatin controls skeletal muscle fiber-type determination. Sci Rep
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for Obestatin (human) (CID 146156385)
- 10.Wikipedia — Obestatin