Newly identified drug can be used as oral treatment for diabetes: IIT Mandi study

What is the News?

Researchers at IIT Mandi have identified a drug molecule called  “PK2” that can be used to treat diabetes. 

What is the current treatment for Diabetes?

Diabetes is associated with insufficient insulin release by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to blood glucose levels. 

The release of insulin entails many intricate biochemical processes. One such process involves protein structures called GLP1R present in the cells. A hormonal molecule called GLP1 released after the ingestion of a meal binds to the GLP1R and triggers the release of insulin.

Current drugs used for the treatment of diabetes mimic GLP1 and bind to GLP1R to trigger insulin release. However, these drugs are administered as injections, and they are costly and unstable after administration. 

What is the alternative treatment found by the researchers?

Researchers have identified a drug molecule called  “PK2” that can be used to treat diabetes. 

PK2 is able to trigger the release of insulin by the pancreas and can potentially be used as an orally administered medicine for diabetes.

Source: The post is based on the article “Newly identified drug can be used as oral treatment for diabetes: IIT Mandi study” published in Indian Express on 3rd May 2022.