Cadila gets nod for Phase I trials of novel oral diabetes drug

Zydus Cadila Ltd has received permission from the drug controller-general of India to start Phase I clinical trials of ZYOG1, a novel oral, anti-diabetic molecule.

Zydus Cadila, a global healthcare provider and one of India's leading healthcare companies, said the molecule was designed and developed at the Zydus Research Centre using a unique platform technology. ZYOG1 is a novel Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, the company said in a release.

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 agonists are being used to treat people with type 2 diabetes who have not been able to control their blood sugar levels with oral medicines. It is an injectible, which acts like the natural hormones in the body that lowers blood sugar.

The new class of anti-diabetic drugs called GLP -1 agonists came to the fore in May 2005 when the first molecule of this class was approved by the USFDA.

Zyogi would represent a next generation GLP-1 agents, as it would not have to be injected but can be taken orally.

"Zyogi, when administered by oral route demonstrated beneficial effects in pre-clinical models on glucose reduction, HbA1c reduction and showed an added benefit of weight loss. Additionally, Zyogi has displayed a differentiated pre-clinical safety profile with no nausea-like symptoms in the
pre-clinical studies," the release said.