Stimulating the production of β cells in the pancreas of individuals with type 1 diabetes may be a way to renormalize their glucose metabolism. Researchers from Spain and the U.S. may have moved one step closer to this goal by stimulating formation of new β cells in the pancreas of a mouse model of diabetes using the cyclic peptide THR-123, which binds and activates the receptor for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP).

Palatin Technologies Inc. has announced preclinical results for PL-7737, an oral selective melanocortin MC4 receptor (MC4R) agonist, showing effectiveness in rodent models of obesity.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and characterized by obesity, insulin resistance and renal injury.

GIPR/GLP-1R-targeting agents have demonstrated significant efficacy in appetite suppression and weight reduction; however, their adverse effect profiles and tolerability issues highlight the need for alternative or complementary therapeutic strategies in the management of obesity. Researchers from Juvena Therapeutics Inc. reported on the preclinical profile of JUV-112, discovered using Juvena’s proprietary JuvNET platform.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes, with limited therapeutic options. While current treatments focus on the proliferative stage, there is an urgent need to understand the underlying mechanisms of the early stages of DR to halt progression. Growing research suggests that activated microglia are key drivers of inflammation in DR.

Single agonists of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) have been a success in the treatment of obesity, but monomeric dual or triple agonists have demonstrated improved efficacy on energy intake, appetite or metabolic function.

Oxyntomodulin (OXM) is a peptide hormone released by intestinal L cells after food intake. It acts as a dual agonist of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors, regulating appetite, energy expenditure and glucose metabolism. However, its short plasma half-life limits its therapeutic potential.