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Published on: June 25, 2019
Characterization of LY3324954 a long-acting glucagon-receptor agonist
William Roell1, Tamer Coskun1, Teayoun Kim2
1Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Objective:
Glucagon is a crucial regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism as well as whole-body energy balance. Thus, modulation of glucagon receptor (GCGR) activity in the context of single-molecule multi-receptor co-agonists has become an emerging therapeutic target against obesity and obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction. To better elucidate the role of GCGR-signaling when paired with incretin receptor signaling or on its own, we developed, LY3324954, a GCGR agonist with improved potency and selectivity as compared to the native glucagon peptide.
Methods:
LY3324954 was administered to DIO mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys to evaluate pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Biweekly treatments were conducted in lean and DIO mice to characterize LY3324954-effects on glucose homeostasis and energy balance. Single dose studies were also conducted in liver Gcgr-deficient mice to establish receptor specificity.
Results:
LY3324954 also exhibited extended PK profile in DIO mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys. When administered every 72 h, LY3324954 treatment stimulated transient glucose and insulin excursions in lean mice. In diet-induced obese mice, LY3324954 treatment stimulates energy expenditure, weight loss, and a reduction of adiposity in a dose-dependent manner. Benefit to whole-body lipid homeostasis was likewise observed in these mice.
Conclusions:
Taken together, these studies characterize a long-acting and potent GCGR-agonist and its regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism as well as whole-body energy balance following both acute and chronic treatment in mice.
Insights
A novel glucagon receptor (GCGR) agonist, LY3324954, effectively reduces adiposity and improves lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese mice. This potent and long-acting compound shows promise for treating obesity and related metabolic dysfunctions.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Glucagon receptor (GCGR) signaling is vital for glucose and lipid metabolism.
- Targeting GCGR activity is a promising therapeutic strategy for obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
- Developing potent and selective GCGR agonists is crucial for therapeutic advancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel GCGR agonist, LY3324954, with enhanced potency and selectivity over native glucagon.
- To elucidate the role of GCGR signaling in metabolic regulation, independently or with incretin receptor signaling.
- To characterize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of LY3324954.
Main Methods:
- Administered LY3324954 to diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys for pharmacokinetic evaluation.
- Conducted biweekly treatments in lean and DIO mice to assess effects on glucose homeostasis and energy balance.
- Utilized liver Gcgr-deficient mice to confirm receptor specificity of LY3324954.
Main Results:
- LY3324954 demonstrated an extended pharmacokinetic profile across species (mice, rats, dogs, monkeys).
- In DIO mice, LY3324954 treatment dose-dependently increased energy expenditure, promoted weight loss, and reduced adiposity.
- Observed improvements in whole-body lipid homeostasis and transient glucose/insulin excursions in lean mice.
Conclusions:
- LY3324954 is a potent, long-acting GCGR agonist with significant therapeutic potential.
- Characterized the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism by LY3324954 in both acute and chronic treatment models.
- Established LY3324954's efficacy in improving energy balance and reducing obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.
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