The GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor represents a new target for a diabetes drug discovery project at Poxel.

GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. It can restore the normal profile of insulin release in response to glucose, a process that is defective in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Poxel is developing oral, non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonists. Targeting the GLP-1 pathway in this manner has several significant advantages over other therapeutic approaches currently available. In particular:

• There is no risk of hypoglycemia, as insulin secretion is glucose-dependent.

• There is a concomitant weight-lowering effect.
• An orally active product is more convenient for the patient than injections and leads to greater compliance.

This project is currently in the lead optimization phase and has already demonstrated positive effects on insulin secretion in pathophysiological animal models.