Positive preclinical test for Transition’s diabetes drug

In the study conducted in animal models the drug, E1-INT, was shown to induce the regeneration of islet cells that produce insulin. Two weeks of daily E1-INT treatments were also able to normalize the blood-glucose levels of diabetic mice for up to 10 weeks after the end of treatment.

Pancreatic beta cell mass was increased threefold and insulin content was increased eightfold in E1-INT treated mice compared with pre-treatment levels.

“In these studies, E1-INT reversed disease by expanding the number of insulin-producing cells, which led to a significant increase in insulin production. Further, these findings corroborate data seen in other animal models showing that the therapeutic effects of E1-INT are sustained long after treatment is completed.” said Dr Tony Cruz, chairman and CEO of Transition.

In August 2004, Transition licensed these products to Novo Nordisk A/S for upfront and milestone payments worth up to $48 million plus commercial milestones and royalties.