DIAGEN UPDATES ON DIABETES - April 2024

Ongoing clinical trials to counter regulate hypoglycemia

#newsletter 1: UPDATES ON DIABETES

Ongoing clinical trials to counter regulate hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a life-threatening event. People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at higher risk to experience this condition. Still nowadays, it is a challenge to maintain normal glycemia with administration of insulin and measures to avoid hypoglycemia are suboptimal. There are new therapies under clinical trials being tested to prevent hypoglycemia.

ZT-1: New injectable therapy that augments glucagon

Glucagon is a hormone secreted by pancreatic alpha-cells in response to hypoglycemia. In T1D, this response is reduced hence contributing to life-threating low levels of blood glucose. ZT-01 is a novel injectable therapy that augments glucagon secretion upon insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Results from phase 1 clinical trials show that ZT-01 is safe, well-tolerated and increases glucagon release in patients with T1D. These results are encouraging and support a phase 2 clinical study in T1D patients to determine whether this therapy can effectively prevent insulin-induced hypoglycemia.

TTP339: specific activator of glucokinase, already undergone pahse 1 & 2 clinical testing

Glucokinase is an enzyme that modifies glucose in a way that it can be used in cells. TTP339 is a specific activator of glucokinase in hepatocytes (the main cells present in the liver). This small molecule that can be delivered orally has undergone already a phase 1 and 2 clinical testing and it has been shown to be safe and effective. For example, it improves glycemic control, reduces insulin therapeutical needs and diminishes by 40% the events of hypoglycemia in T1D patients. In addition to T1D, this molecule has also been tested in type 2 diabetic patients showing an effective reduction of glycated hemoglobin hence indicating improved glucose metabolism.

Cellular therapy to restore functional beta-cells

In 2023, the first cellular therapy (Lantrida) to treat T1D patients was approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration. The key components of this therapy are insulin-secreting pancreatic cells obtained from deceased human donors. These cells are then transplanted into T1D patents unable to control their glucose properly and at higher risk of developing hypoglycemia. Transplanted T1D patients show improved blood sugar control and in some instances they are free of insulin therapy. This therapy has therefore the potential to transform insulin-dependent T1D patients in people no longer in need of therapeutic insulin.

DiaGen is a non-profit association that supports groundbreaking projects in the field of diabetes, with potential of making life of diabetic patients better.

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