First-in-Class Beta Cell Regeneration Factor
The development of type 2 diabetes mellitus is mainly driven by insulin resistance and beta cell failure. Insulin resistance, the body's inability to properly respond to an insulin signal, pushes pancreatic beta cells to produce and release more insulin into the blood stream in order to ensure that blood sugar levels are kept at appropriate levels. Patients with insulin resistance develop overt diabetes once the beta-cells start to degenerate and fail to provide adequate plasma insulin levels. Inadequate supply of insulin leads to increased blood sugar levels which are associated with the development of long-term complications. Currently available treatments largely address symptoms but are unable to stop or even reverse the progression of type 2 diabetes.

DeveloGen's approach is to target beta cell failure and insulin resistance, the two underlying causes of type 2 diabetes, directly. Our beta cell regeneration factor stimulates beta cell proliferation and neogenesis and thereby promotes the regeneration of the beta cell mass and ensures that the body is able to provide sufficient endogenous insulin to maintain proper glycemic control. Our first-in-class insulin sensitizers block signals that negatively interfere with the transduction of the insulin signal and thereby increase the capacity the body's cell to respond to insulin.

 Targeting Beta Cell Regeneration
DeveloGen's beta cell regeneration factor is a secreted molecule that has been identified by DeveloGen in a screen for potential beta cell regeneration targets. It has been demonstrated that the factor can stimulate beta cell proliferation and neogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Pharmacological administration of the beta cell regeneration factor to animal models leads to an increase in functional beta cell mass and a normalization of blood glucose levels without affecting insulin sensitivity or insulin secretion. Thus it has the potential to stop disease progression by maintaining sufficient endogenous beta cell mass to keep blood glucose levels under control.

 Type 1 diabetes
In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus an autoimmune attack results in a selective destruction of insulin producing beta-cells. This loss in functional beta cells leads to a lack of insulin which results in hyperglycemia. Currently, life-long insulin replacement therapy, in combination with blood glucose monitoring and dieting, is the only available treatment option. However, insulin therapy only leads to suboptimal glycemic control and a risk of potentially fatal hypoglycemic episodes. Intensified insulin therapy can improve glycemic control but is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemic episodes. The regeneration of beta cells addresses the primary cause of type 1 diabetes directly, would substantially reduce the risk of hypoglycemic episodes and may ultimately lead to a cure for type 1 diabetes.