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Future glucose-lowering drugs for type 2 diabetes
Clifford J Bailey1, Abd A Tahrani2, Anthony H Barnett3
1School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology
|January 27, 2016
Summary
New type 2 diabetes treatments are emerging, including advanced incretin-based therapies and novel drug targets. While promising, fully restoring glucose homeostasis remains a long-term goal for type 2 diabetes management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) presents a complex, progressive challenge due to its multivariable nature.
- Existing glucose-lowering drugs face limitations from comorbidities, hypoglycemia risk, weight gain, and drug interactions.
- These treatment constraints drive innovation in drug formulations, delivery systems, and novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in pharmacological approaches for type 2 diabetes management.
- To highlight novel therapeutic strategies targeting glucose homeostasis and beta-cell function.
- To discuss the potential and limitations of emerging drug candidates.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on type 2 diabetes therapeutics.
- Analysis of novel drug classes and delivery systems.
- Exploration of emerging pharmacological targets and mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Incretin-based therapies are advancing with long-acting formulations and novel delivery methods (e.g., implantable pumps, weekly tablets).
- New drug classes under development include sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors, glucagon action inhibitors, and adiponectin receptor agonists.
- Emerging strategies focus on enhancing insulin signaling, promoting glucose metabolism, and targeting fibroblast growth factor 21.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress is being made in developing novel treatments for type 2 diabetes, addressing limitations of current therapies.
- While advanced therapies show promise, achieving complete restoration of beta-cell function and glucose homeostasis remains a future objective.
- Continued research into diverse pharmacological targets is crucial for improving T2D management.
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