New Molecule Shows Promise in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Overview of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes stands as one of the most prevalent and expensive chronic diseases. In 2017, over 2 million Canadians reported a diagnosis of diabetes. Statistics Canada indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes have typically lived with their diagnosis for an average of 12 years. Moreover, Canadians aged 18 and older who are classified as overweight or obese face a higher risk of developing diabetes.
In patients with type 2 diabetes, the body struggles to utilize insulin effectively. Insulin, a crucial hormone, regulates the transfer of sugar into the body’s cells. While many individuals are prescribed insulin for management, some find specific types painful to inject or experience allergic reactions at the injection sites.
Innovative Oral Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
A recent investigation published in the British Journal of Pharmacology highlights a potential new treatment for type 2 diabetes. Conducted by a team from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases, the study centers around a novel molecule named EPB-53. This molecule has been shown to elevate levels of FGF21 in both liver and plasma. FGF21 is an endocrine hormone that plays a significant role in energy metabolism and is primarily secreted by the liver, making it a target for treating type 2 diabetes and related non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases.
As part of their research, the scientists administered varying doses of EPB-53 orally to mice, comparing the outcomes with those of the conventional diabetes medication metformin. Notably, the results indicated that EPB-53 could enhance phosphorylation levels, signifying a substantial increase in FGF21 activity.
This study proposes that oral medications targeting FGF21 may represent a new therapeutic approach for the management of type 2 diabetes. However, further studies are necessary to assess the safety and effectiveness of these compounds.
Author and Reference
Written by Man-tik Choy, Ph.D.
Reference: Zarei, M. et al. Oral administration of a new HRI activator as a new strategy to improve High-Fat-Diet-induced glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis, and hypertriglyceridemia through FGF21. British Journal of Pharmacology, 2019; Articles in Press. Doi: 10.1111/bph.14678.