New anti-diabetic agent from Reddy's Labs beibng tested

Hyderabad, Dec 26 (UNI) An anti-diabetic agent that works through new pathways, discovered by Dr Reddy's Laboratories and taken up for development by Perlecan Pharma, is undergoing Phase I clinical trials in the Netherlands.

The agent, DRL 16536, works by activating the biological pathways responsible for beneficial effects of exercise. Targeting the exercise pathway using the drug has lowered glucose and lipid values significantly in pre-clinical trials. It has additional benefit of weight loss.

Current treatment options for Type 2 diabetes work through other mechanisms and might not provide the overall beneficial clinical effects needed, which encompass glycemic control, lipid control and body weight loss, a statement from the two organisations here said.

DRL 16536 has been extensively studied in pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and toxicology experiment. It has demonstrated good oral bioavailability in animal models with adequate safety established in toxicology studies, it said.

The Phase I clinical trials would test the safety and tolerability of DRL-16536 in healthy volunteers.

Chairman, Perlecan Pharma and Founder-Chairman, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Dr K Anji Reddy said in the statement that 'DRL 16536 is the fourth asset from Perlecan and the third ''first-in-class'' compound from Dr Reddy's discovery research, to go into clinical development. With the experience gained in modulation of this target, we at Dr Reddy's are confident of discovering drugs for prevention and treatment of metabolic syndromes.' UNI BR AA LS RK2045