Emisphere Technologies, Inc. today announced that Novo Nordisk has
initiated its first Phase I clinical trial with a long-acting oral GLP-1
analogue (NN9924). This milestone releases a $2 million payment to
Emisphere, whose proprietary Eligen® Technology is used in
the formulation of NN9924.
“But with the progress we have made so far I am convinced it is only a
matter of time.”
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a natural hormone involved in
controlling blood sugar levels. It stimulates the release of insulin
only when blood sugar levels become too high. GLP-1 secretion is often
impaired in people with Type 2 Diabetes.
The aim of this trial, which is being conducted in the UK, is to
investigate the safety, tolerability and bioavailability of NN9924 in
healthy volunteers. The trial will enroll approximately 155 individuals
and results from the trial are expected in 2011.
There are many challenges in developing an oral formulation of GLP-1, in
particular obtaining adequate bioavailability. NN9924 addresses some of
these key challenges by utilizing Emisphere’s Eligen® Technology
to facilitate absorption from the gut.
“We still have a long road with many challenges ahead of us before an
insulin pill or a GLP-1 pill becomes a reality,” says Peter Kurtzhals,
Senior Vice President and Head of Diabetes Research at Novo Nordisk.
“But with the progress we have made so far I am convinced it is only a
matter of time.”