BACKGROUND
Tight glycemic control is a cornerstone of diabetes management, particularly in insulin-treated patients. However, intensive insulin therapy increases the risk of hypoglycemia, a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition. Somatostatin, a peptide hormone, inhibits the secretion of several other hormones, including insulin and glucagon. While somatostatin analogs have been used clinically to suppress hormone secretion, their non-selective action can exacerbate hypoglycemia by suppressing glucagon release. There is a critical need for therapeutic agents that can selectively modulate somatostatin receptor type 2 activity to enhance glucose regulation without increasing hypoglycemia risk.
TECHNOLOGY
This invention discloses novel somatostatin receptor antagonists, particularly targeting the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2), to improve glucose control. The antagonists are designed to block the inhibitory effect of somatostatin on glucagon and other counterregulatory hormone secretion, thereby enhancing the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia. Somatostatin antagonists include both specific peptide and non-peptide compounds. These antagonists can be used alone or in combination with insulin or other antidiabetic agents to maintain euglycemia while reducing the incidence of hypoglycemia.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
- Selective SSTR2 antagonism: Targets the receptor subtype most involved in glucagon suppression, minimizing off-target effects.
- Improved hypoglycemia protection: Enhances endogenous glucagon response during insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
APPLICATIONS
- Hypoglycemia treatment
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS
- Granted US Patents (US8206722B2, US7862825B2)
PROJECT STATUS
- Clinical Trials (Phase 2a). Licensed to Zucara Therapeutics.
KEYWORDS
somatostatin receptor antagonist, SSTR2, hypoglycemia, glucagon, diabetes, insulin therapy, glucose control, peptide therapeutics, endocrine regulation
