A novel therapy against type 2 diabetes

Purpose and goal

The aim was to obtain, in an in vivo disease model, proof of glucose-lowering effect by inhibitors of a novel target for treating diabetes. Driving selection of compounds towards higher solubility has, however, not increased their performance with respect to pharmacokinetic behavior. Nevertheless, a frontrunner compound has been tested in vivo Proof-of-concept study. Albeit promising, data show that further improvement of selected characteristics is needed in order to generate a candidate ready to enter pre-clinical development. The project will continue and focus on this goal.

Results and expected effects

One expected outcome is that more work will be needed in order to further improve compound characteristics for being able to generate a pre-clinical candidate. Still, the project has had very positive effects: The project partners have founded the start-up company Apoglyx in order to attract venture capital to finance further activities towards a new therapy for type 2 diabetes. Overall, the project has deepened the relationship between partners, led to new knowledge that can be utilized in the next project phase, created jobs in the new company and thus promoted Swedish Life Science.

Approach and implementation

In accordance with the plan, new compounds with improved solubility have been generated. Increased solubility, however, has not led to improved performance with regard to pharmacokinetic properties. The results of a long term study in diabetic mice have provided important support for further development. Deviations from the original plan have led to increased understanding of the relationship between the various substance properties and their importance for the effect in the animal model, thus providing an opportunity to reach the target in the next stages of development.