Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds
Published on: April 23, 2018
SGLT-2 inhibitors in development for type 2 diabetes treatment
Mithun Bhartia1, Abd A Tahrani, Anthony H Barnett
1Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B75 7RR, UK.
None:
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. The majority of currently available glucose-lowering agents work via insulin-dependent mechanisms and have significant limitations. Hence, there is a need for newer treatments utilizing novel therapeutic targets. Drugs which inhibit the sodium glucose cotransporter in the renal tubules (SGLT-2 inhibitors), represent a novel class of drugs under development. By inhibiting SGLT-2, they promote increased renal glucose excretion and thereby calorie loss with improved glycemic control and weight loss. Dapagliflozin is most advanced in development of this new drug class and currently undergoing phase 3 trials. In addition to its glucose lowering effect, dapagliflozin appears to have favorable impacts on weight and blood pressure, with low risk of hypoglycemia. However, as with all new treatments, long-term safety is an issue. Clinical trials showed increased risk of genital and possibly urinary infections with dapgliflozin. Furthermore, concerns have arisen regarding a possible increased incidence of breast and bladder cancer in patients on dapagliflozin. However, it needs further investigation to confirm or refute whether these concerns are concrete.
Related Concept Videos
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Sulfonylureas
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are typically...