A novel acylated form of (d-Ala(2))GIP with improved antidiabetic potential, lacking effect on body fat stores

Rapid enzymatic degradation of the incretin hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), limits therapeutic use of the native peptide for diabetes. However, enzymatically stable analogues of GIP, such as (d-Ala(2))GIP, have been generated, but are still susceptible to renal filtration.

The present study examines the in vitro and in vivo biological actions of a novel, acylated GIP analogue, (d-Ala(2))GIP[Lys(37)PAL].

In BRIN-BD11 cells, (d-Ala(2))GIP[Lys(37)PAL] concentration-dependently stimulated (p<0.05 to p<0.001) insulin secretion at 5.6 and 16.7mM glucose. Intraperitoneal administration of (d-Ala(2))GIP[Lys(37)PAL] to normal mice 8h prior to a glucose load significantly reduced (p<0.05) the overall glycaemic excursion compared to controls, and increased (p<0.001) the insulinotropic response compared to (d-Ala(2))GIP and saline treated high fat control mice. Once daily administration of (d-Ala(2))GIP[Lys(37)PAL] for 21days in high fat fed mice did not affect energy intake, body weight or fat deposition. However, circulating blood glucose was significantly lower (p<0.05) accompanied by increased (p<0.05) insulin concentrations by day 21. In addition, (d-Ala(2))GIP[Lys(37)PAL] treatment significantly (p<0.01) reduced the overall glycaemic excursion and increased pancreatic insulin content (p<0.05) and the insulinotropic response (p<0.01) to an exogenous glucose challenge on day 21. Chronic treatment with (d-Ala(2))GIP[Lys(37)PAL] did not result in resistance to the metabolic effects of a bolus injection of native GIP. Finally, insulin sensitivity was significantly improved (p<0.001) in (d-Ala(2))GIP[Lys(37)PAL] treated mice compared to high fat controls.

These data confirm that (d-Ala(2))GIP[Lys(37)PAL] is a stable, long-acting potent GIP agonist.

(d-Ala(2))GIP[Lys(37)PAL] may be suitable for further evaluation and future clinical development.