During nutrient deprivation, the liver produces glucose through a process known as hepatic glucose production (HGP). Excessive glucose production via HGP is thought to play a role in the high blood glucose levels observed in patients suffering from obesity and type II diabetes. The enzymes MK2/3 have been shown to play a role in the signaling pathway that causes HGP. This technology provides a method to treat obesity and related metabolic disorders by reducing the activity of MK2/3, and consequently, HGP and blood glucose levels.
By inhibiting MK2/3 activity, this technology may lead to improvements in the health of those afflicted with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type II diabetes. It has been shown that MK2/3 activity is elevated in obese patients, but not in those with a healthy body mass index. Similar MK2/3 activity trends have been observed in mice, and inhibition of MK2/3 in obese mice has been shown to lead to decreased blood glucose levels and plasma insulin. Thus, MK2/3 present promising targets for therapeutics to treat obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU12060, IR CU12275