Promising Data for Novel Drugs in Development Presented at ADA 2011

At the American Diabetes Association’s 71st annual Scientific Sessions held in late June in San Diego, we became excited about a number of therapies in development. Takeda presented clinical data on its “GPR40 agonist” (which they are calling TAK-875). GPR40 agonists are thought to increase the body’s production of insulin when blood glucose is high, and have effects on both fasting and post-meal glucose levels. In a 12-week study, TAK-875 brought about a substantial reduction in A1c (~1.0%), with little risk of hypoglycemia or other side effects. So far, the drug seems promising, and we look forward to learning more about Takeda’s plans to develop it further. In addition, TWi Biotechnology’s new drug “diacerein” demonstrated significant reductions in A1c (~0.6%) over the course of six months; however, participants in the study receiving diacerein experienced slightly higher rates of side effects, including upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and the common cold.--VW