An experimental drug called IC7Fc could improve glucose metabolism and prevent weight gain, enabling it to be an effective treatment for conditions including diabetes, obesity and loss of muscle mass.
The compound has been studied by an international research team led by Monash University, the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and The Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute. It was published in the prestigious journal Nature in late September.
Led by Professor Mark Febbraio of the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the 13- year study confirmed the protein is safe in several preclinical models.
“This is the first time that we have demonstrated pharmacological evidence that we could treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, muscle loss and a loss of bone density with a single drug,” said Professor Febbraio.
Researchers have shown that IC7Fc improves glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia, and prevents weight gain and liver steatosis in mice.
According to Professor Ferraro, there is no current drug on the market that has these multiple, positive benefits on overall health and metabolism. IC7Fc will soon enter phase one human clinical trials.
