Strasbourg, France – AdipoPharma, a French biotech company, has announced the successful acquisition of funding to commence Phase 1 clinical trials for its innovative Type 2 diabetes drug, PATAS. The trials are scheduled to begin in the U.S. in mid-2025.
This funding marks a crucial step for AdipoPharma in developing a first-in-class compound that directly addresses insulin resistance, the underlying cause of Type 2 diabetes. The investment comes from key global investors, including Newton Biocapital, Good Growth Capital and Okeanos.
Targeting Insulin Resistance with PATAS
AdipoPharma's drug, PATAS, represents a novel approach to treating Type 2 diabetes. Unlike many existing treatments that focus on managing symptoms, PATAS is designed as a whole-body insulin sensitizer. It works by restoring glucose uptake and utilization in impaired adipocytes, thereby rebooting healthy lipid biosynthesis. This mechanism has the potential to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and address complications associated with the disease, such as diabetic neuropathy, cardiovascular dysfunction, liver disease, and muscle loss.
"PATAS represents a scientific breakthrough in our quest to treat insulin resistance, the primary cause of Type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Vincent Marion, President and CEO of AdipoPharma. "Our vision is to create a world where insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes are no longer a life sentence."
Expert Support and Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Marion, a biochemist and researcher at INSERM, has assembled a team of experienced pharmaceutical executives and academic scientists to guide the development of PATAS. The company's scientific advisory board includes internationally recognized experts in Type 2 diabetes, such as Dr. Paul Zimmet, Dr. G. Alexander (Zan) Fleming, Dr. Alan Cherrington, and Dr. Ralph DeFronzo.
Addressing a Global Health Crisis
Type 2 diabetes affects over 500 million people worldwide, with projections estimating that number will reach 1.3 billion by 2050, according to Lancet Diabetes. The disease is a leading cause of kidney disease, amputation, and premature death globally. AdipoPharma's efforts to target insulin resistance could provide a significant advancement in the treatment of this widespread and debilitating condition.