Method for the improvement of islet signaling in diabetes mellitus and for its prevention

US6500804B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PROBIODRUG AG · DE

Inventors

• Hans-Ulrich Demuth · Halle (Saale), DE
• Konrad Glund · Halle (Saale), DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 2, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 31, 2002
• Expiry date: Apr 2, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61P43/00
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for therapeutically treating mammals, including but not limited to humans, to increase the relative insulin producing performance of endogenous pancreatic &bgr;-cells and to cause differentiation of pancreatic epithelial cells into insulin producing &bgr;-cells. Oral administration a DP IV inhibitor causes the active form of GLP-1 to be preserved longer under physiological conditions. The extended presence of GLP-1, in particular in the pancreatic tissue facilitates differentiation and regeneration of the &bgr;-cells already present that are in need of repair. These repaired insulin producing cells can contribute to the correction and maintenance of normal physiological glycemic levels.