Pipeline
XMet Program for Diabetes
Insulin is the key metabolic hormone for regulating blood sugar and exerts its action on cells by signaling through the insulin receptor. Alterations in insulin signaling occur in Type 2 diabetes and its precursor, metabolic syndrome. Highly specific human antibodies that activate or sensitize the insulin receptor offer new direct mechanisms for treating different aspects of the diabetes disease spectrum.
In June 2011, XOMA for the first time presented its discovery of two new classes of fully human monoclonal antibodies that activate or sensitize the insulin receptor in vivo, each representing a distinct new therapeutic approach to the treatment of patients with diabetes. The data were presented at the American Diabetes Association 71st Scientific Sessions.
Insulin receptor-activating antibodies such as XOMA’s XMetA antibody are designed to provide long-acting insulin-like activity to diabetic patients who cannot make sufficient insulin, potentially reducing the number of insulin injections needed to control their blood glucose levels. In contrast, insulin receptor-sensitizing antibodies such as XOMA’s XMetS are designed to reduce insulin resistance and could enable diabetic patients to more effectively use their own insulin to control blood glucose levels.
XOMA is continuing studies with its insulin receptor antibodies and is pursuing discussions toward licensing collaborations for this program.
