Register Now for the Recording of Webinar
'Metreleptin assisting Anorexia Nervosa Recovery'
Presented by Professor Johannes Hebebrand MD, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Essen, Germany
A webinar recording for families, carers, support people, professionals and others…
Hear the recording of Professor Johannes Hebebrand MD, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist’s talk, which was held on the 17th Augusst 2023, about his research spanning almost 25 years on the role of the hormone leptin in anorexia nervosa.
EDFA *Members FREE
Non Members AUD $35
Including a half an hour Q & A discussion with the Professor
Why listen to EDFA’s Professor Johannes Hebebrand webinar?
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.
We welcome you to hear about this fascinating and promising novel potential treatment for individuals experiencing Anorexia Nervosa.
