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FGF21-based pharmacotherapy--potential utility for metabolic disorders
Ruth E Gimeno1, David E Moller1
1Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|April 9, 2014
Summary
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) shows promise for treating diabetes and obesity by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing weight. Further research aims to develop FGF21-based therapies for metabolic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Current diabetes and obesity treatments offer limited efficacy, often requiring combination therapy with cardiovascular risk agents.
- Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a protein hormone with diverse metabolic functions.
- Pharmacological FGF21 administration demonstrates anti-diabetic, lipid-lowering, and weight-reducing effects in preclinical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) for metabolic disorders.
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying FGF21's metabolic actions.
- To identify strategies for developing novel FGF21-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on FGF21's metabolic effects.
- Analysis of preclinical (rodent) and clinical (obese humans with T2D, non-human primates) data.
- Investigation of FGF21 receptor interactions and signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- FGF21 administration in rodents yielded significant anti-diabetic, lipid-lowering, and weight-reducing effects.
- These benefits have shown translation to non-human primates and obese humans with type 2 diabetes.
- FGF21 acts via a specific receptor complex in adipose tissue, liver, and brain, enhancing fatty acid oxidation, insulin sensitivity, and energy expenditure.
Conclusions:
- FGF21 exhibits potent metabolic benefits, including anti-diabetic and weight-reducing properties.
- The therapeutic potential of FGF21 is supported by evidence across multiple species, including humans.
- Developing safe and effective FGF21-based therapies could offer novel treatment strategies for metabolic disorders.
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