A local research team has developed a medication that prevents excess weight gain despite the intake of fatty foods.

The team, led by Professor Gang Heon-joong at Seoul National University, unveiled the "wonder drug" and said it has already completed patent application procedures.

The team explained the anti-obesity medicine, made from the extracts of marine organisms, helps patients maintain their current weight even while enjoying high-calorie foods. The drug prevents weight gain by enhancing muscular endurance and converting body fat into body heat.

The researchers said they will be able to secure an international patent for the newly-developed medication because the product is different from existing obesity drugs in terms of its unique chemical composition and medicinal effects.

The research was conducted as part of a government-led project aimed at developing new medicines from natural marine extracts.