Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder with serious physical, psychological, and psychosocial consequences. It is often chronic, with a high mortality rate. Currently, psychotherapy is considered the primary treatment. However, recent studies also refer to anorexia as a “psychometabolic disorder,” recognizing that changes in metabolism play a significant role alongside psychological factors. As a result, research into metabolic drugs is becoming increasingly important.

Professor Gabriella Milos and her team at the Center for Eating Disorders at University Hospital Zurich (USZ) have demonstrated that the hormone metraleptin can help anorexia patients by alleviating depression, supporting weight gain, and improving brain function. Professor Milos now aims to further investigate the effectiveness of this drug in a follow-up study. The goal is to enhance and personalize anorexia treatment and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

The University Hospital Zurich (USZ) operates in a dynamic and opportunity-rich environment where new technologies are driving medical progress and facilitating the development of new treatments. However, many medical innovations, especially those developed by young researchers, cannot be implemented owing to a lack of financial resources.

This is where the USZ Innovation Pool comes in, helping to get bold ideas off the ground. Twice a year, this competitive funding initiative selects the most promising projects that have a direct impact on people’s quality of life. Since its launch in 2013, it has enabled the successful realization of more than two hundred novel products, innovative services, technological solutions, and procedures.

Photo: Andreas Güntner holding a computer chip