Hua Medicine announces breakthrough in glucose sensitivity research

In Shanghai, on November 30, 2024, Hua Medicine announced the successful completion of its SENSITIZE study at the 9th China BioMed Innovation and Investment Conference (CBIIC). This pivotal research focused on how dorzagliatin, a treatment aimed at improving glucose sensitivity, functions at the cellular level, specifically investigating the enzyme glucokinase (GK). The study was led by Professor Juliana Chan, a renowned endocrinology specialist from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and it marks the first clinical trial conducted in Asian populations to assess the effects of glucokinase activators on glucose sensitivity in patients with varying degrees of impaired glucose tolerance. The SENSITIZE study utilized the hyperglycemic clamp technique to provide insights into the impairment of GK function related to different types of glucose dysregulation, contributing to the understanding of Type 2 diabetes pathophysiology in Asian demographics. The results of the SENSITIZE 2 trial indicated that a single dose of dorzagliatin notably restored GK enzyme activity, leading to significant improvements in second-phase insulin secretion and beta-cell glucose sensitivity among individuals diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance. These outcomes suggest that dorzagliatin could configure a new therapeutic pathway for managing glucose regulation in diabetic patients. Furthermore, dorzagliatin's effects were previously highlighted in the SENSITIZE 1 study, which showcased the drug's capacity to restore GK activity in mutants and significantly improve insulin secretion in different patient populations, including those with monogenic diabetes and newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes sufferers. Hua Medicine's ongoing research aims to delve deeper into the implications of repeated dosing of dorzagliatin for improving beta-cell glucose responsiveness and the incretin effect. The ultimate goal of this research is to foster personalized treatment strategies for individuals with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. The cornerstone product, HuaTangNing (Dorzagliatin tablets), has already received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China as an oral hypoglycemic agent that can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with metformin. Importantly, it requires no dose modification for patients with chronic kidney disease, broadening its applicability for a wider patient demographic. As Hua Medicine continues to explore these avenues, the advancement of understanding the role of GK in diabetes could lead to innovative approaches in tackling this significant public health issue affecting millions worldwide.