Researchers have designed an experimental drug that chokes off the energy supply of cancer cells. OSU-CG12 is one of a new class of anticancer drugs called energy-restriction mimetic agents. Energy restriction offers a powerful new treatment strategy because it targets a survival mechanism used by many types of cancer. The findings show that it is possible to design energy-restricting drugs, which may also be useful for treating metabolic syndromes, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.