Odor Exposure to Modulate Food Intake in Animals

Scientists at Monell (USA) and Sidra Medicine (Qatar) have demonstrated that they can increase or decrease the amount of food consumed by mice through environmental exposure to specific odorants. The technology included in this licensing opportunity utilizes 4 proof-of-concept odorants able to modulate food intake. Monell and Sidra are seeking partners in commercialization.

The Problem

Previously described methods of food intake modulation include intraperitoneal injection of drugs, feed additives, sealing of nasal cavity, or application of sprayable liquids onto food. Taste and smell modulation of eating behavior has been the focus of intense study, but it is important to identify methods for non-invasive caloric intake modulation. Non-invasive eating modulation by olfactory stimulation has many potential applications in the pet, farm animal, and livestock husbandry
industries, pest-control, as well as in human and veterinary-related physiological and disease states.

The Solution

Odorants that lead to decreases in food consumption could be used for weight management purposes, and odorants eliciting increases in food intake could (a) impact production yield though increases in weight gain, (b) increasing the survival rate of animals during weaning, (c) increase animal survival during illness, and (d) shortening production times and costs when animals reach a weight milestone faster. These findings could potentially be extended to humans with possible applications in weight management in subjects with obesity, diabetes, anorexia, bulimia, cachexia, and other eating-related disorders.

APPLICATIONS

Scientists at Monell and Sidra Medicine performed controlled odor-induced food-intake assays to demonstrate that specific odorants (“compositions”) can modulate the amount of food consumed by mice, after a non-invasive short exposure of 60 minutes (see fig.). The technology included in this licensing opportunity utilizes 4 specific organic odorants: one able to induce a decrease in food intake, and three capable to induce an increase in food intake. Technology included in the Provisional patent application 63/336,587 describes compositions having food intake modulatory activity, and uses thereof.

PATENT STATUS

A US Provisional patent application has been filed. Provisional patent application 63/336,587 describes compositions having food intake modulatory activity, and uses thereof. Option and/or license rights are available, as well as Collaborative or Sponsored Research opportunities.

COMMERCIALIZATION OPPORTUNITY

Option and/or license rights are available, as well as Collaborative or Sponsored Research opportunities. For more information contact techtransfer@monell.org.

Inventors

Luis Saraiva PhD

Adjunct Associate Member, Monell Chemical Senses Center Principal Investigator, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

Michael Tordoff

Member, Monell Chemical Senses Center

USING ODOR EXPOSURE TO MODULATE FOOD INTAKE IN ANIMALS