This technology is a stress reliever for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that can improve beta cell function and survival as a potential treatment for diabetes.
Currently, most treatments for diabetes rely on enhancing insulin production by beta cells, reducing production of glucose by the liver, or increasing glucose excretion. Accumulating evidence suggests that ER stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of beta cell functional derangements and demise in diabetes. However, there are currently no available explicit therapeutics to reduce ER stress.
This technology consists of small molecules that are capable of relieving ER stress, leading to increased insulin production in beta cells, improved insulin secretion and possibly enhanced beta cell survival. Tauroursodeoxychlic Acid (TUDCA) and 4-phenylbutyric Acid (PBA) are two compounds capable of reducing ER stress. TUDCA and PBA exhibit low toxicity and effectively aid in preserving beta cell mass by protecting the cell from harmful effects of inflammatory and metabolic stress. As such, this technology provides a targeted potential treatment for diabetes that helps to preserve the patient’s own beta cells.
This technology has been validated using Wolfram syndrome patient-derived stem cells and beta-like insulin-producing cells.
Rudolph L. Leibel, M.D., Dieter Egli, Ph. D., Robin Goland, M.D.
IR CU12150
Licensing Contact: Ron Katz