Metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity and their related co-morbidities have reached epidemic proportions worldwide. While progress continues to be made into the molecular mechanisms involved in both obesity and T2D, the identification and development of safe, efficacious therapeutic modalities is significantly limited. There is an urgent need for innovative medicines to combat both obesity and diabetes. Recent data along with our Phase 1 data strongly suggest that pharmacological intervention of Fyn kinase provides an excellent target and novel approach for the discovery of new drugs to treat metabolic disease. We have identified a promising selective Fyn kinase inhibitor and completed initial SAR to generate a novel and selective lead compound. This proposal describes an integrated approach for further development and optimization of our lead compound through medicinal chemistry, in vitro characterization and functional cell-based activity. The most effective compounds advancing through the optimization paradigm will be used to validate this approach in animal models of type 2 diabetes.

Public Health Relevance

Metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and their related co-morbidities have reached epidemic proportions worldwide. There is an urgent need for innovative medicines to combat both obesity and diabetes. This proposal focuses on further development and in vivo validation of a lead small molecule first-in-class drug for the treatment of metabolic disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44DK093387-02A1
Application #
8712859
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-EMNR-S (10))
Program Officer
Arreaza-Rubin, Guillermo
Project Start
2011-09-05
Project End
2016-04-30
Budget Start
2014-05-01
Budget End
2015-04-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$855,351
Indirect Cost
Name
Zen-Bio, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
799863261
City
Rtp
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27709