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Researchers Discover Molecule in Python Blood That May Aid Weight Loss
The molecule, called pTOS, triggers a feeling of fullness and could offer an alternative to medications like Ozempic.
Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:25am
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Researchers have identified a molecule called para-tyramine-O-sulfate (pTOS) in the blood of pythons that may hold the key to new weight loss solutions. Pythons exhibit remarkable metabolic flexibility, able to consume large meals and then fast for extended periods while maintaining muscle and heart health. The study found that pTOS levels surge in pythons after eating, triggering a feeling of fullness, and this molecule may offer a new pathway for appetite control that differs from current medications like Ozempic.
Why it matters
The discovery of pTOS highlights the potential of studying unique metabolic processes in animals like pythons to uncover new approaches to weight management. Current weight loss drugs can have side effects, so pTOS may offer an alternative that targets appetite more directly. Understanding the gut-brain connection and the role of gut bacteria in regulating metabolism could lead to more natural, targeted therapies.
The details
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, Stanford Medicine, and Baylor University found that immediately after a meal, a python's heart increases in size by 25% and its metabolism surges, accompanied by a dramatic 1,000-fold increase in pTOS levels. In humans, pTOS levels only increase 2-5 times after eating. pTOS works by utilizing the amino acid tyrosine, which gut bacteria convert into tyramine. The liver then transforms tyramine into pTOS, sending a signal to the brain that triggers a feeling of fullness. Studies on mice have shown that administering pTOS led to reduced food intake and weight loss without significant changes in activity, energy expenditure, or blood sugar.
- The study was published in Nature Metabolism in 2026.
The players
University of Colorado Boulder
A public research university located in Boulder, Colorado that collaborated on the study identifying pTOS.
Stanford Medicine
The medical school and healthcare system of Stanford University that collaborated on the pTOS research.
Baylor University
A private Christian university in Waco, Texas that also participated in the study on the python-derived molecule.
What’s next
While promising, research on pTOS is still in its early stages. The molecule has only been tested on mice so far, and its effects on humans remain unknown. Further studies are needed to determine if pTOS could be a viable alternative or complement to existing weight loss medications.
The takeaway
The discovery of pTOS, a molecule found in the blood of pythons that triggers a feeling of fullness, represents a potential new approach to weight management that could offer an alternative to current medications with fewer side effects. This research highlights the value of studying unique metabolic processes in animals to uncover new solutions for human health challenges.
