Holz Lab

Our Mission

Our research has played a key role in the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists (Byetta, Victoza, Ozempic, Wegovy), now widely used for diabetes and obesity management. We are currently exploring synthetic hybrid peptides that target multiple GPCR pathways, incorporating GLP-1, Glucagon, GIP, and Peptide YY motifs. These dual- and tri-agonist compounds hold great potential for enhancing insulin secretion, improving metabolism, and suppressing appetite.

Research Interests

Drug discovery research in the Holz Team at SUNY Upstate seeks to establish new pharmacological approaches to the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. In this regard, our prior findings helped lead to FDA approval of the GLP-1 receptor agonists Byetta, Victoza, Ozempic and Wegovy as new blood glucose-lowering agents with appetite-suppressing properties. One focus of the laboratory now concerns synthetic hyprid peptides with GPCR activating properties, as validated in high-throughput FRET assays using cAMP and Ca2+ biosensors. Such hybrid peptides incorporating amino acid motifs within GLP-1, Glucagon, GIP and Peptide YY are likely to be of a unique medical importance in that they have the potential to exhibit novel dual or tri agonist properties with subcutaneous administration.

George G. Holz, Ph.D

Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology

Principal Investigator

Oleg G. Chepurny

Assistant Professor