GlycoMimetics : Awarded NIH Grant to Study Drug Candidate in Diabetes

August 16, 2009 -- GlycoMimetics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is developing a new class of glycobiology-based therapies for a broad range of indications, announced it has been awarded a grant from The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of The National Institutes of Health (NIH) to evaluate its E-selectin small molecule antagonists in animal models of vascular complications of diabetes.

The grant is based upon substantial data in the scientific literature suggesting an important role for E-selectin in the chronic inflammation associated with diabetes. The company has developed a family of potent small molecule E-selectin antagonists which it is currently optimizing for oral availability... GlycoMimetics' Press Release -

EXSULIN : PUBLICATION OF PHASE 2 TRIAL RESULTS FOR NOVEL ISLET REGENERATION TREATMENT IN TYPE 1 & TYPE 2 DIABETES

(August 18, 2009) – Exsulin Corporation announced milestones achieved and immediate plans to move forward as a well supported Minnesota-based company dedicated to the development of regeneration therapies for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Exsulin’s focus is on development of a drug with potential to become a breakthrough therapy for patients suffering from type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Phase II human clinical trial data of ExsulinTM (INGAP peptide), a peptide drug product aimed at restoring the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin normally in people with diabetes mellitus, have just been published online by Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews.




Exsulin Corporation, founded by diabetes industry professionals, is supported by a proven clinical, development and regulatory management team and is advised by globally recognized diabetes experts. To follow on and support the results documented in the recent trial data publication, Exsulin has received clearances for a trial in patients with established (not newly diagnosed) T1DM, a population subset with no other currently active clinical trials. Other milestones achieved by Exsulin include reformulation and procurement of drug product, support of key independent laboratory research, and securing regulatory authorization to initiate a new clinical trial... Exsulin's Press Release -

Lexicon : Phase 1 Clinical Trial and Phase 2 Clinical Trial of LX4211 in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

September 15, 2009 – Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXRX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering breakthrough treatments for human disease, obtained favorable results from recently completed Phase 1 studies of LX4211 and announced that it has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial of the drug candidate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. LX4211 is an orally-delivered, small molecule drug candidate that inhibits the sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2). LX4211 is Lexicon’s fourth drug candidate currently being tested in Phase 2 clinical trials... Lexicon Pharmaceuticals' Press Release -

Intarcia Therapeutics : Enrollment of ITCA 650 Phase 2 Study in Type 2 Diabetes

September 17, 2009 - Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc. announced the start of enrollment for a phase 2 study comparing its proprietary drug candidate ITCA 650 (DUROS continuous delivery of exenatide) with Byetta, an FDA-approved twice-daily injection form of exenatide. Building upon the successful completion of a 28-day phase 1b study of ITCA 650 in May of this year, the phase 2 study is intended to evaluate the doses achieving the best results in the phase 1b in a larger study population and for a longer duration of treatment. In addition, an extension phase of the phase 2 study will evaluate dose response of ITCA 650. Patients receiving Byetta for the first 12 weeks will be switched from Byetta to one of two doses of ITCA 650 to evaluate the potential for improving treatment effect... Intarcia Therapeutics' Press Release -