New diabetes drug

A team of specialists from Wexner Medical Center and Ohio State University College of Medicine have discovered an enzyme that is able to participate in the accumulation of energy reserves in cells - adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

In the course of a new study, the scientists have identified a very important metabolic link in which AMPK is involved. It is Fbxo48 protein, which removes this enzyme from cells. Then the scientists have developed and already tested BC1618 compound, which blocks Fbxo48 function. At the same time, the increase in the activity of AMPK BC1618 turned out to be much greater than metformin, for example. Its action was confirmed in experiments on an animal model: the new compound reduced insulin resistance; this is the main indicator of the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs. The scientists plan to obtain regulatory approval for clinical trials.

Source: SCIENCE DAILY