PYY 3-36

Peptide YY 3-36 (PYY 3-36)

Evidence & Status

  • Moderate Evidence
  • Moderate

At a Glance

A gut-derived peptide hormone released after meals that suppresses appetite by acting on Y2 receptors in the hypothalamus and gut. Studied as one of the body's natural satiety signals and of research interest in obesity and appetite neuroscience.

Plain English

Researchers study PYY 3-36 because it is one of the body's natural signals for fullness — secreted from the gut after eating and carried to the brain, where it reduces appetite. Scientists are interested in how PYY 3-36 complements other satiety hormones like GLP-1 and whether disrupted PYY signaling contributes to overeating and obesity. Several combination approaches pairing PYY-like activity with GLP-1 receptor agonism are being studied in pharmaceutical development, with interest in whether engaging multiple satiety pathways simultaneously can improve outcomes.

Overview

Peptide YY 3-36 (PYY 3-36) is a gut hormone fragment released postprandially by L-cells of the ileum, colon, and rectum. It is produced by DPP-4 cleavage of the full PYY(1-36) precursor and acts primarily at the Y2 receptor. Direct human research has examined appetite and food intake after study-specific PYY 3-36 administration, including intranasal and intravenous exposure, but PYY 3-36 is not an approved obesity treatment. AM833, cagrilintide, and other long-acting or oral analog programs are separate entities and are not native PYY 3-36 evidence.

Research Summary

PYY 3-36 has direct human research involving appetite and food intake, including intravenous administration in obese subjects, an intranasal clinical study that did not establish an effective approved obesity treatment, and supraphysiologic intravenous exposure associated with nausea without additional food-intake reduction. These are study-specific findings, not a routine treatment protocol. AM833, cagrilintide, and other analog or combination programs are separate evidence and must not be attributed to native PYY 3-36.

Research Areas

  • Appetite suppression
  • Obesity
  • Satiety signaling
  • Gut-brain axis
  • Energy homeostasis

Safety & Risks

Serious Risks

  • Cardiovascular effects at supraphysiologic doses require monitoring; nausea at clinical doses can be dose-limiting

Reported Side Effects

  • Nausea (common at higher doses)
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Injection site reactions
United States
Investigational; PYY 3-36 is not an approved obesity drug.
United Kingdom
Investigational; PYY 3-36 is not an approved obesity drug.
Australia
Investigational; PYY 3-36 is not an approved obesity drug.
Canada
Investigational; PYY 3-36 is not an approved obesity drug.

Citations & Sources