AMPK Activator

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that controls whole-body energy metabolism by regulating glucose and fatty acid homeostasis in multiple peripheral tissues such as skeletal muscle and liver, key tissues in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

Direct AMPK Activators Mechanism of Action

Compounds increasing AMPK activity will normalize glycemia and the lipid profile by stimulating glucose uptake (independently of insulin) and lipid oxydation and by decreasing glucose and lipid production to restore energy balance.

Several AMPK stimulating compounds have been identified. For example, metformin and Imeglimin have been shown to stimulate AMPK activity as indirect and nonselective AMPK activators

A selective and direct AMPK activation (as compared to the indirect activation produced by metformin) induces a greater benefit on the diabetes and dyslipidemic profile, compared to an indirect and non selective activation, and thus represents an interesting new approach in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The Poxel project is at a lead optimization stage and already demonstrated positive effects on glycemia and lipid profile (triglycerides and cholesterol) in preclinical diabetic animal models.