A biologically active lipid mobilizing agent for use in therapy is disclosed
which
has the properties and characteristics of a Zn-2-glycoprotein,
or of a fragment thereof having an apparent molecular mass Mr greater
than 6.0 kDa as determined by gel exclusion chromatography. Methods of isolation
and purification from biological material are also disclosed together with uses
of the material for making up pharmaceutical compositions, especially pharmaceutical
compositions useful for treating mammals to achieve weight reduction or for controlling
obesity. In addition, uses of the material for developing diagnostic agents and
for identifying inhibitors of lipolytic activity for therapeutic purposes are disclosed.
