How do exercise and insulin collaborate in metabolism? The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation recognized the work of Juleen Zierath in this topic with the Diabetes Prize for Excellence at their recent annual meeting.

Researchers from Ajou University presented data from a preclinical study that aimed to assess the potential of using the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor LMK-235 for the prevention of diabetic muscle atrophy.

There has been growing interest in developing novel cannabinoid CB1 receptor inverse agonists to treat obesity and its metabolic comorbidities. At the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting, Inversago Pharma Inc. presented data on their CB1 receptor inverse agonist INV-347. The compound was shown to reduce body weight in diet-induced obese mice.

Korro Bio Inc. has established a collaboration with Novo Nordisk A/S to advance the discovery and development of new genetic medicines, initially to treat cardiometabolic diseases. The collaboration brings together Novo Nordisk’s deep cardiometabolic disease understanding and drug development experience with Korro’s proprietary platform to develop RNA editing product candidates for two undisclosed targets.

Researchers from Janssen Research & Development LLC presented preclinical data for JNJ-75220795 (ARO-PNPLA3), a GalNAc-conjugated small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic targeting the PNPLA3 gene, being developed for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Biolexis Therapeutics Inc. has announced findings from a study of its oral small-molecule GLP-1 agonist, BLX-7006, in a diet-induced obesity model in mice. In the study, BLX-7006 achieved an average weight reduction of 15% over a 28-day period.

Incretins are not just metabolic hormones that regulate glucose levels after eating. Their functions go beyond stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), the two main incretins, have receptors and effects in different organs, including the heart, brain, bone and kidneys. Even if they do not directly play those keys, other organs such as the liver and muscle receive signals from the same score and join the orchestra.