ProGenis Pharmaceuticals has secured funding from life sciences innovation accelerator MTPConnect to advance development of PGP-011, a small RNA drug designed to treat insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. The funding comes through MTPConnect's Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) Drugs and Devices program, an initiative of the Medical Research Future Fund.
The project involves clinical advisers from The University of Western Australia's Medical School, including Professors Bu Yeap and Girish Dwivedi. Professor Yeap, who serves as clinical lead on the project, emphasized the significant unmet medical need, noting that type 2 diabetes mellitus affects more than one million people in Australia and approximately 500 million worldwide.
Addressing Insulin Resistance at Its Root
"Existing treatments do not directly address one of the root causes of type 2 diabetes, which is insulin resistance," Professor Yeap explained. "This occurs when the body does not respond properly to insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels and ill-health."
The current treatment paradigm often requires patients to progress through multiple therapeutic stages. "Many people with type 2 diabetes progress from tablet treatments to weekly injectables, to needing daily or multiple daily doses of insulin," Professor Yeap noted.
Novel Mechanism of Action
PGP-011 represents a departure from conventional approaches by targeting a specific cellular enzyme that interferes with insulin production. Professor Yeap described the drug's mechanism: "PGP-011 worked by blocking the production of a specific cellular enzyme, a validated target which interfered with insulin production."
Early research data suggests promising therapeutic potential. "Research by ProGenis indicates that PGP-011 effectively reduces expression of this target, and lowers glucose levels better than dapagliflozin, one of the current accepted treatments," Professor Yeap reported.
Therapeutic Promise
The small RNA drug aims to improve insulin sensitivity rather than simply managing blood glucose levels. "PGP-011 holds promise for treating people with type 2 diabetes by making the body more responsive to insulin action," Professor Yeap stated.
Industry Recognition
The funding announcement was made at the BIO International Convention in Boston, described as one of the world's biggest biotech events bringing together sector leaders from Australia and around the world. This platform underscores the international significance of the research and Australia's growing presence in the global biotechnology sector.
MTPConnect, part of the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub, operates as an independent, not-for-profit organisation championing growth of Australia's vibrant medical products sector through accelerator programs supporting cutting-edge medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovations.
