Methods of promoting fat loss comprising administering an ALK7 inhibitor
The invention relates to ALK7 soluble receptors and their uses as antagonists of the function of certain ligands such as GDF-8 (Myostatin) and GDF-11. The ALK7 soluble receptor of the invention is useful as antagonists of GDF-8 and GDF-11 in the treatment of neuronal diseases or conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and all peripheral nerve diseases. The ALK7 soluble receptor of the invention is also useful as GH (growth hormone) equivalent, and for increasing muscle mass.
1. A method for promoting fat loss in a mammal, the method comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof a pharmaceutical preparation comprising an antibody that binds to a myostatin-binding domain of an ALK7 receptor.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mammal has obesity.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mammal has type II diabetes.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fat loss is not associated with a decrease in nutrient intake.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said antibody binds a sequence comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said antibody binds a sequence comprising amino acid residues 26-100 of SEQ ID NO: 2.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a humanized antibody.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a fully human antibody.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is an scFv.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a Fab, Fab′ or F(ab′) 2 .