Diabetes
Drugs: the next generation
The race
is on. For both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, manufacturers
are vying for pole positions with new therapeutic
strategies that promise better disease management,
improved quality of life, and ultimately prevention
of diabetes complicationsThe next decade is likely
to be an exciting one in the field of diabetes treatment.
Experimental drugs, new therapies and refined methods
are all likely to make the lives of diabetes sufferers
easier. This section concentrates on the most exciting
diabetes drugs of the near future.
Arxxant
Eli Lilly
appear to have come one step closer to cracking one
of the diabetes drug mysteries – how to target
the complications caused by the disease. Arxxant,
a new drug from Eli Lilly, promises to block the enzyme
thought to be responsible for the damage leading to
these complications.
Although at a relatively early phase, Arxxant (also
known as ruboxistaurin) has been submitted to the
powerful FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for approval
in treating diabetic eye damage. Following FDA approval,
the drug may then spread worldwide after relevant
approval is granted. Arxxant tailored to prevent other
complications is perhaps a thing of the future.
Galida
Astrazeneca
have created a drug that targets particular cellular
signals that could control cholesterol, triglycerides
and blood sugar. The signals, known as peroxisome
proliferation activation receptors (PPARs), could
hold major hope for a diabetes cure. Galida, a new
drug from Astrazeneca, is now entering late-stage
trials. Major contenders in this race include Merck,
Lilly, and GlaxoSmithKline.
Galvus
The new
wonder drug from Novartis, known as galvus (generic
name: vildagliptin/LAF237), is at a late stage of
clinical trials. The pill would work to control blood
sugar only once it became too high, lowering the risk
of hypoglycaemic events amongst diabetics. Other similar
contenders include Januvia by Merck and a drug created
by troubled company Bristol-Myers.
Januvia
Merck submitted
an application to the FDA for Januvia (known as MK-0431)
in February 2006. This was ahead of schedule, and
beat similar drugs including Galvus. Galvus and Januvia
are now involved in a race to become the first pill
to raise levels of a protein called “glucagons-like
peptide.” Like Galvus, this would mean Januvia
cutting hypoglycaemia. Merck also hope that the drug
will trigger weight loss amongst diabetics, a side
effect that has caused Byetta to become enormously
successful.
