A recent study published in Nature has revealed that a protein compound called IC7Fc has the potential to improve glucose metabolism, prevent weight gain and loss of muscle mass.
The study suggests that this compound could therefore become an effective treatment for chronic conditions, including diabetes, obesity and loss of muscle mass.
“This is the first time that we have demonstrated pharmacological evidence that we could treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, muscle loss and loss of bone density with a single drug.
“These ageing related diseases have a devastating impact on sufferers and their families, while putting stress on the Australian health care system,” said Professor Mark Febbraio of the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This research is promising as, reportedly, at present there a no drugs on the market that have the multiple, positive benefits on overall health and metabolism.
“Despite the presence of a number of well-established drug classes for treating type 2 diabetes, there is still a significant unmet need for a drug that halts, or reverses, disease progression.
“A drug such as the IC7Fc could not only treat diabetes but could be harnessed to treat muscle mass loss, regulate food intake and frailty as well,” added Professor Febbraio.
IC7Fc has reportedly passed preclinical stages and is expected to enter phase one of human clinical trials in the near future.
To read the study, visit – nature.com
