Type 2 diabetes is now a global epidemic. However, drugs to treat diabetes are inadequate and generally have dose limiting side effects. We seek to address the epidemic with superior drugs based on a better understanding of the disease.
 
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The Future of Diabetes Treatment
Metabolex researchers discovered the islet-specific G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) GPR-119 as part of its earlier genomics and differential gene expression studies. Based on this research, we have brought a new class of diabetes drugs into the clinic in 2008. Our lead product candidate in this program is MBX-2982. 
MBX-2982 is an agonist of GPR119, a GPCR that is expressed in pancreatic islets and the gastrointestinal tract. Pre-clinical studies conducted by Metabolex and others show that GPR119 agonists can stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion and may preserve beta cell health. These properties mimic incretins such as GLP-1, and exenatide (a GLP-1 analogue markted as Byetta®). Unlike exenatide, however, MBX-2982 can be delivered orally. In addition, MBX-2982 may provide additional benefit when used in combination with a DPP-4 inhibitor such as sitagliptin (Januvia®), or other oral therapies. In March 2008 we commenced a 60 person, 6-cohort, ascending-dose Phase 1 study of MBX-2982 to evaluate its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile.
Other follow-on compounds for GPR119 are actively being developed.