Gcg-XTEN: an improved glucagon capable of preventing hypoglycemia without increasing baseline blood glucose.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

While the majority of current diabetes treatments focus on reducing blood glucose levels, hypoglycemia represents a significant risk associated with insulin treatment. Glucagon plays a major regulatory role in controlling hypoglycemia in vivo, but its short half-life and hyperglycemic effects prevent its therapeutic use for non-acute applications. The goal of this study was to identify a modified form of glucagon suitable for prophylactic treatment of hypoglycemia without increasing baseline blood glucose levels.

Methodology/principal findings

Through application of the XTEN technology, we report the construction of a glucagon fusion protein with an extended exposure profile (Gcg-XTEN). The in vivo half-life of the construct was tuned to support nightly dosing thro

SUBMITTER: Geething NC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2854692 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature