MBX-2982 enters Phase 1 trial
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Metabolex discovers and develops novel therapeutics to treat type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders. It is our goal to bring to the patient breakthrough medicines that improve quality of life. Our deep understanding of the biology of these diseases has enabled us to build a robust pipeline of proprietary product candidates.
The most advanced product candidate in our pipeline is MBX-102, an oral, small-molecule insulin sensitizer currently in Phase 2 testing. Research to date suggests that MBX-102 may have efficacy comparable to the currently marketed insulin sensitizers with a superior safety and tolerability profile. Currently marketed sensitizers cause weight gain and edema and carry a black box warning that cautions physicians about the risk of heart failure. Clinical studies to date indicate that MBX-102, in contrast, does not cause weight gain or edema.
Our second product candidate, MBX-8025, is being evaluated in a Phase 2 clinical trial. We believe that MBX-8025 could be a first-in-class treatment for dyslipidemia, a group of disorders that includes high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol. Based upon pre-clinical and clinical data to date, we believe that MBX-8025 may reduce LDL cholesterol and otherwise improve a patient's lipid profile. 
We also have a third product candidate, MBX-2982, which is being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial. MBX-2982 is an agonist of GPR119, a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that is expressed in pancreatic islets and the gastrointestinal tract. We believe MBX-2982 could be a first-in-class treatment for type 2 diabetes. Pre-clinical studies conducted by Metabolex and others show that GPR119 agonists can stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion and may preserve beta cell health. We also have an additional product candidate in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes; MBX-2044, a second generation insulin sensitizer.
Our strategy is to discover and develop promising therapies for metabolic diseases to address significant unmet medical needs in large markets, developing them through proof-of-concept studies and then collaborating with companies through late-stage clinical trials and commercialization to maximize the value of our compounds. In furtherance of this approach, in 2006 we entered into an agreement with Johnson & Johnson, through its Ortho-McNeil unit, giving Ortho-McNeil an exclusive license for worldwide development and commercialization of MBX-102.
To execute our strategy, we have assembled a management team with deep experience in developing promising drugs and technologies, including former executives at Syntex, Roche, Merck, Pfizer and Sugen.