Metabolic Diseases

Metabolic Diseases

Obesity is prevalent in almost 38% of US adults and type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects approximately 9% of US adults. Obesity reduces lifespan and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, T2D, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, some cancers, and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In addition to increasing cardiovascular risk, T2D also dramatically increases the likelihood of developing AD, a condition referred to as “central insulin resistance” or type 3 diabetes. AD is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually the simplest of tasks. The cost of healthcare, caregiving, and hospice care exceeds $290 billion annually in the US, expected to increase to $1.1 trillion by 2050.

In animal studies with ENT-03, we have observed a rapid increase in insulin sensitivity and normalization of blood glucose levels prior to any weight loss. The treated animals had reduced food intake and lost significant amounts of weight, which was maintained for several months after treatment. Consequently, if approved, ENT-03 could be used as a stand-alone drug, or in combination with GLP-1 agonists which increase pancreatic insulin secretion and suppress eating behavior including interest in calorie rich foods.