Intermedin
(Adrenomedullin-2)

The Discovery

The Mystery Molecule

For years, scientists knew the adrenomedullin family held secrets.

For years, scientists knew the adrenomedullin family held secrets. The family already included adrenomedullin itself and several related peptides. But researchers suspected they were missing something. In 2004, two separate teams pursuing different research paths stumbled upon the same discovery. Roh's group at UC Davis and Takei's team in Japan found an unknown peptide. They looked at its structure and realized it was completely new to science. The peptide showed up in places nobody expected, especially in the middle part of the pituitary gland deep in the brain. They named it intermedin because of its special location. This discovery opened a new door in understanding how bodies protect their own tissues.

The Breakthrough

Unmasking the Protective Powers

Once scientists had intermedin in their hands, they started asking key questions.

Once scientists had intermedin in their hands, they started asking key questions. What does this peptide actually do? Where does it come from? What turns it on? Early experiments showed something surprising. When researchers gave intermedin to lab animals, blood pressure rose. But this wasn't like ordinary blood pressure increase. The effect happened in the brain, which was different from how some similar peptides worked in blood vessels. Intermedin attached to two types of sensors on cells: AM receptors and CGRP receptors. Having two targets meant intermedin could do multiple jobs. It could affect hunger and thirst. It could change how the body handled water. Scientists realized they had discovered a powerful multi-tasking peptide.

The Trials

The Heart Connection

As research continued, doctors noticed intermedin's real promise: protecting hearts.

As research continued, doctors noticed intermedin's real promise: protecting hearts. The peptide appeared in heart tissue. It lived in blood vessels. Most importantly, it showed signs of blocking the damage that happens during heart attacks and heart failure. Unlike the brain effects, the protective actions on the heart worked differently. Instead of raising blood pressure, intermedin helped blood vessels relax. It reduced stress on the heart muscle. The peptide appeared to work like a rescue team, arriving when heart cells faced danger and preventing them from dying. Scientists also found intermedin in kidney tissue. This suggested it might help kidneys survive serious infections like sepsis, where multiple body systems shut down. The protection seemed to work through antioxidant actions, stopping harmful chemicals from damaging cells.

The Crisis

Moving Toward Treatment

By 2010, researchers started planning how to use intermedin as a medicine.

By 2010, researchers started planning how to use intermedin as a medicine. The challenge was that peptides are delicate molecules. They break down quickly in the stomach. They can't be taken as pills. Scientists had to develop ways to deliver intermedin directly into the bloodstream or create long-lasting versions. Clinical trials began investigating intermedin for heart failure patients. Other studies explored its use in acute kidney injury where blood flow to the kidneys suddenly drops. Researchers also tested it in sepsis, a life-threatening condition where infection causes severe inflammation. The early results showed promise. Intermedin appeared safer than many other treatments. It didn't cause the side effects seen with some competitor drugs. Patients tolerated it well. The question became: could intermedin actually save lives?

The Legacy

The Path Forward

Today, intermedin remains in the research phase, but interest is growing.

Today, intermedin remains in the research phase, but interest is growing. Large pharmaceutical companies are watching. The peptide's dual action on AM and CGRP receptors gives it unique advantages. It can do what neither receptor alone could accomplish. Scientists are studying how to make intermedin versions that last longer in the body. They're exploring which patients would benefit most. Should intermedin be used early to prevent heart damage? Or should it be given after damage occurs to help healing? Future trials will answer these questions. If successful, intermedin could become a game-changing treatment for heart failure, kidney disease, and severe infections. The discovery by two independent groups in 2004 launched a journey that may help millions of patients live longer, healthier lives.