Inceptor and the insulin receptor are both located on the surface of beta cells, whereby Inceptor can block the insulin receptor and thus reduce the insulin sensitivity of the cells. This weakens the signaling pathway. A recent study goes even further: it shows that inceptor binds excess insulin in the beta cell and directs it for degradation. The increased presence of inceptor in beta cells suggests that the receptor plays a role in insulin secretion, which is controlled by beta cells. This process is often impaired in diabetes, leading to a rise in blood glucose levels. By blocking Inceptor, the researchers were able to replenish the insulin stores of beta cells, improve the release of insulin and prevent beta cell death. Blocking inceptor could help to boost insulin production and protect beta cells, particularly in cells that are already damaged.
In order to advance the development of drugs that specifically block inceptors and thereby protect or regenerate beta cells, preclinical studies that test the safety and efficacy of these innovative therapeutic approaches are the next step. Viacure has set itself the goal of paving the way for clinical trials and thereby making a decisive contribution to the treatment or even cure of diabetes.