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GPR119 agonists for type 2 diabetes: past failures and future hopes for preclinical and early phase candidates
Deanne H Hryciw1,2, Rhiannon K Patten3, Raymond J Rodgers4
1School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.
Introduction:
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is metabolic disorder associated with a decrease in insulin activity and/or secretion from the β-cells of the pancreas, leading to elevated circulating glucose. Current management practices for T2D are complex with varying long-term effectiveness. Agonism of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR119 has received a lot of recent interest as a potential T2D therapeutic.
Areas Covered:
This article reviews studies focused on GPR119 agonism in animal models of T2D and in patients with T2D.
Expert Opinion:
GPR119 agonists in vitro and in vivo can potentially regulate incretin hormone release from the gut, then pancreatic insulin release which regulates blood glucose concentrations. However, the success in controlling glucose homeostasis in rodent models of T2D and obesity, failed to translate to early-stage clinical trials in patients with T2D. However, in more recent studies, acute and chronic dosing with the GPR119 agonist DS-8500a had increased efficacy, although this compound was discontinued for further development. New trials on GPR119 agonists are needed, however it may be that the future of GPR119 agonists lie in the development of combination therapy with other T2D therapeutics.
Insights
GPR119 agonists show potential for type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment by regulating insulin release. However, clinical success has been limited, suggesting combination therapies may be the future for managing T2D.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by impaired insulin activity and secretion, leading to hyperglycemia.
- Current T2D management strategies have limitations in long-term efficacy.
- G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) agonism is an emerging therapeutic target for T2D.
Approach:
- This review examines GPR119 agonist studies in preclinical T2D models and human clinical trials.
- Evaluates the mechanism of GPR119 agonism on incretin and insulin secretion.
- Assesses the translation of preclinical findings to clinical outcomes.
Key Points:
- GPR119 agonists can stimulate incretin and insulin release, potentially improving glucose control.
- Preclinical studies in rodent models showed promise, but early clinical trials yielded disappointing results.
- A specific agonist, DS-8500a, demonstrated improved efficacy in recent studies but was discontinued.
Conclusions:
- GPR119 agonism's therapeutic potential for T2D requires further investigation.
- Future development may involve combination therapies with other T2D agents.
- New clinical trials are necessary to fully explore the role of GPR119 agonists in T2D management.
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