French researchers have announced that the SRT1720 drug, which mimics the health-boosting compound resveratrol found in red wine, can trick the body into burning fat. The potent drug targets the SIRT1 protein and shifts the metabolism to a fat-burning mode that normally takes over only when energy levels are low. Mice fed a high-fat diet and given a low dose of SRT1720 were partially protected from weight gain, while at higher doses the drug completely prevented weight gain. The experimental drug may also help ward(かわす、防ぐ)off type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar tolerance and insulin sensitivity.