Optimising GPCR Drug Candidates: A Path to Investor-Ready Commercial Development for diabetes, obesity and cardiometabolic conditions

Only 36% of people with diabetes achieve the targets recommended to reduce their risk of developing diabetic complications. Pharma are interested in therapies that provide a combination of benefits, with fewer side effects. CVD is a major cause of death and disability in diabetes, accounting for 52% of fatalities in those with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). Extensive studies have been conducted on G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in the Diabetes Research Group at UU. The most well known GPCR-activated drugs in T2DM are GLP-1 agonists. Based on the extensive clinical evidence of enhancing GLP-1 GPCR activation, our studies have shown GPCR-based therapies can target pancreatic and intestinal cells, with significant anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects. Significant commercial opportunities exist for therapies that improve beta cell health, target intestinal GLP-1 and reduce diabetic and cardiovascular complications.