Metreleptin assisting Anorexia Nervosa Recovery

About this event

Join EDFA to hear Professor Johannes Hebebrand MD, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, talk about his research spanning almost 25 years on the role of the hormone leptin in anorexia nervosa. Professor Hebebrand’s research addresses the effects of leptin deficiency in starvation which is well documented to cause hyperactivity and amenorrhea.

Based on this research, he, together with Professor Gabriella Milos (Zurich) recently initiated off-label treatments of patients with human recombinant leptin (metreleptin). Metreleptin is a medication licensed for a rare disorder titled generalised lipodystrophy.

Providing subcutaneous leptin injections (in the form of metreleptin) in case study participants with anorexia nervosa (14 so far) has been found to reduce depression and the need to exercise. Interestingly, the initial beneficial changes were observed within a matter of only 2-4 days. Dosing periods were 14 days in most patients.

Other eating, behaviour and somatic improvements were also observed including:

- Absence of preoccupation with food
- Reduction in weight phobia
- Amelioration of hyperactivity
- Better sleep patterns
- Significant decrease in depression and in some cases, intermittent euphoria
- Decreased inattention
- Elimination of constipation
 

It is important to note that Professor Hebebrand’s research is still at a preliminary stage and awaiting the randomised control clinical trial (CRT) which he and his colleague Professor Milos hope to have secured funding for by later this year. It will be important to see if metreleptin promotes weight gain in patients with anorexia nervosa. Professor Hebebrand is keen to encompass other countries in trialling off-label metreleptin for those that may not be responding to current therapy to promote the need for RCT’s around the world.

Contact admin@edfa.org.au if you require a Certificate of Attendance. It is for the individual to determine the relevance and amount of time this webinar counts towards their CPD.

EDFA *Members FREE
Non Members AUD $35