Drug Approved to Treat Osteoporosis Shows Promise in Pre-Clinical Diabetes Research
Scientists have discovered that a drug commonly used to treat osteoporosis in humans also stimulates the production of cells that control insulin balance in diabetic mice. While other compounds have been shown to have this effect, the drug (Denosumab) is already FDA approved and could more quickly move to clinical trials as a diabetes treatment. [Press release from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (EurekAlert!) discussing online prepublication in Cell Metabolism]
Press Release|Abstract|Graphical Abstract
DNA Methylation Directs Functional Maturation of Pancreatic β Cells
DNA methyltransferase (DNMT3A) bound to the promoters of the genes encoding hexokinase 1 and lactate dehydrogenase A—both of which regulate the metabolic switch—and knockdown of these two key DNMT3A targets restored the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion response in islets from animals with β cell-specific Dnmt3a deletion. [J Clin Invest] Full Article
Islet Amyloid Inhibitors Improve Glucose Homeostasis in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes
To assess its activity in vivo, D-ANFLVH was administered by intraperitoneal injection into a human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic mouse model, which replicates type 2 diabetes islet amyloid pathology. The peptide was a potent inhibitor of islet amyloid deposition, resulting in reduced islet cell apoptosis and preservation of beta cell area leading to improved glucose tolerance. [Diabetes Obes Metab] Abstract
Pathophysiological Role of MicroRNA-29 in Pancreatic Cancer Stroma
In an effort to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with tumor-stromal interactions, using in vitro and in vivo models and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patient biopsies, researchers showed that the loss of miR-29 is a common phenomenon of activated pancreatic stellate cells/fibroblasts, the major stromal cells responsible for fibrotic stromal reaction. [Sci Rep]
Full Article
Role of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein Signaling in Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis (CP), a progressive inflammatory disease where acini are destroyed and replaced by fibrous tissue, increases the risk for pancreatic cancer. Risk factors include alcohol, smoking, and obesity. Critical questions still need to be answered to understand what modifies predisposition to develop CP in persons exposed to risk factors. [Cancers] Abstract|Download Full Article
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INDUSTRY NEWS
ERYTECH Announces Two Positive DSMB Reviews
ERYTECH Pharma announced positive safety reviews after the completion of the first cohort in the company’s US Phase I study with ERY-ASP in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), and following the treatment of the first three patients with ERY-ASP in combination with Folfox in its Phase II study in pancreatic cancer. [ERYTECH Pharma] Press Release
Resverlogix Officially Attains Phase III Status with a European Regulatory Authority
Resverlogix Corp. announced that following recent meetings with various European regulatory bodies, the first confirmation for their Phase III clinical plan has officially been received. A further regulatory and protocol design update will be provided to the market post the approval of additional regulatory bodies and the launch of the planned Phase III clinical trial entitled BETonMACE. [Resverlogix Corp.]
Press Release
Insulin Independence Revolutionary Phase III Trial
Perle Bioscience, Inc. announced enrollment for the Insulin Independence Trial. This trial is the first Phase III trial to test a combination therapy in type 1 diabetics. [Perle Bioscience, Inc.] Press Release
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