US Patent 7915255 Metabolism-modulating agents and uses therefor

The present invention is directed to methods and agents for modulating adipogenesis. More particularly, the present invention relates to molecules that modulate the level or functional activity of inosine-5′ monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and to their use in modulating the accumulation of lipids in adipocytes and/or the differentiation of preadipocytes to adipocytes for treating or preventing adiposity-related conditions including, but not limited to, obesity, lipoma, lipomatosis, cachexia or lipodystrophy or the loss of adipose tissue in trauma or atrophic conditions.