Today, Antaros Medical, in collaboration with Sanofi, presented data at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) congress 2020 on the development of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) ligand for the receptor of the incretin hormone Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (GIP). Targeting of the GIP receptor (GIPR) is one of several emerging strategies in anti-diabetic drug development. The presented data shows promise for a novel PET biomarker for safe, non-invasive, and quantitative assessment of GIPR target distribution and engagement.
The development of this GIPR tracer will not only contribute to the development of drugs targeting GIPR, but also as a part of bi- and tri-specific peptide agonists engaging the receptor of the incretin hormone GLP-1 and the glucagon receptor (GCGR). The targeting of these receptors has shown strong potential to have positive effects on weight loss and glycemic control.
Antaros Medical has previously presented data for the first-in-class GCGR tracer (EASD 2017). This tracer has been developed for human use and is being used in a clinical study setting to quantify a GCGR occupancy by a dual anti-diabetic drug.
For the future development of GIP, glucagon, and GLP-1 receptor bi- and tri-agonists, it will be important to understand the role of these peptide hormones in the mode of action of glucagon and incretin-based drug candidates. Early investigation of target engagement and occupancy using PET tracers for these receptors will give understanding of mode of action and support early decision making for these drugs.
If you want to hear more, the poster In vivo PET imaging of the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor in pancreas was presented by Olof Eriksson on 23 September 2020, 12:00 – 13:00 (Session: PS 45 Basic aspects of incretin-based therapies).