Effects of Antagonizing the Ghrelin Receptor on Brain Food Cue Reactivity in Obesity

The naturally occurring peptide hormone liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) in an antagonist/inverse agonist towards the ghrelin receptor. Ghrelin administration has previously been shown to increase food cue reactivity in brain regions related to appetite and reward using functional MRI scans. The aim of this clinical study is to investigate the effects of LEAP2 infusion on food cue reactivity in brain regions related to appetite and reward. Since LEAP2 is an antagonist/inverse agonist towards the ghrelin receptor we hypothesize, that LEAP2 infusion will decrease food cue reactivity in the above-mentioned regions compared to placebo infusion. Participants with obesity (BMI 30-50 kg/m2) will be included and complete two experimental days with either LEAP2 or placebo infusion in a randomized crossover manner. On experimental days, participants will undergo a MRI scan with functional and anatomical modalities. The study will attribute to gain a deeper understanding of the ghrelin system and its interaction with appetite regulation.

NCT Number	NCT06845033
Lead Sponsor	University Hospital, Gentofte, Copenhagen
Conditions	Obesity and Overweight
Enrollment	28 participants
Start Date	2025-05-01
Primary Completion	2026-03-03 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-11-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-04-29