If we can regulate the function of this protein, we may have an excellent mechanism for the control of obesity in humans. The UCP in the brown adipose tissue of rodents is capable of increasing the animal's body temperature in colder environments and can also dissipate excess caloric energy as heat. UCP is located on the inner mitochondrial membrane of cells in brown adipose tissue and functions to uncouple the mechanism whereby stored energy is turned into work. This protein, when expressed, turns the stored energy into heat rather than work. Millennium and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. signed a strategic alliance in March of 1994 to discover and develop drugs in the field of obesity.
Obesity is one of the nation's most significant health problems.
Approximately 34 million individuals in the United States may be classified as obese. Obesity is a significant health hazard in its own right, and is also a major risk factor in other diseases including Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. It is believed that genes account for anywhere from 60-90 percent of differences in individual body weight. Any question regarding a medical diagnosis, treatment, referral, drug availability or pricing should be directed to either a licensed physician or to the product's manufacturer.