Challenges in developing drugs for the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome refers to a clustering of established and emerging cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors within a single individual. The established risk factors--such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension--and other emerging risk factors are closely related to central obesity (especially intra-abdominal adiposity). Insulin resistance is also an important factor in this syndrome's etiology. However, despite the potential use of having all the CVD risk factors under an umbrella diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, debate continues about the very existence of the metabolic syndrome. Despite the controversies, many existing therapies and new drugs in development are targeting the metabolic syndrome. To date, no drugs are approved specifically for treating the metabolic syndrome. This article discusses some of the challenges in developing therapies for the metabolic syndrome.