New Enzyme Discovery Could Treat Obesity & Liver Disease

Blocking SCoR2 enzyme halts weight gain and reduces liver damage in animal studies.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Researchers in Cleveland have identified a previously unknown enzyme, SCoR2, that plays a critical role in fat production. Blocking this enzyme not only stopped weight gain in animal studies, but also reduced liver damage and lowered harmful cholesterol levels, paving the way for a potential three-in-one drug targeting obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Why it matters

Obesity rates continue to climb worldwide, driving a surge in associated conditions like heart disease and fatty liver disease. This discovery offers hope for a new class of drugs that could simultaneously address these interconnected metabolic issues, providing a more holistic and efficient approach to patient care.

The details

The research reveals that nitric oxide, a naturally occurring gas in the body, acts as a brake on fat production. The enzyme SCoR2 removes nitric oxide from proteins that regulate fat buildup. When SCoR2 is blocked, nitric oxide remains bound, inhibiting fat production. In animal studies, blocking SCoR2 through genetic manipulation or a specifically designed drug stopped weight gain, prevented liver injury, and decreased bad cholesterol levels.

  • The research was published in Science Signaling in February 2026.
  • Clinical trials for a potential drug are expected to begin within 18 months.

The players

Jonathan Stamler, MD

Lead author of the study and a researcher at the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals.

Harrington Discovery Institute

An organization that focuses on translating scientific discoveries into treatments for unmet medical needs and is supporting the development of a potential drug based on this discovery.

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What they’re saying

“We have a new class of drug that prevents weight gain and lowers cholesterol — a potential therapy for obesity and cardiovascular disease, with additional hepatic benefits.”

— Jonathan Stamler, Lead author (Science Signaling)

What’s next

Clinical trials for a potential drug based on this discovery are expected to begin within 18 months.

The takeaway

This groundbreaking discovery of the SCoR2 enzyme's role in fat production offers hope for a new class of drugs that could simultaneously address the interconnected metabolic issues of obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease, providing a more holistic and efficient approach to patient care.