Sirtris [1] grabbed some headlines at the JP Morgan gathering in San Francisco with its presentation of positive, early-stage data for its closely watched therapy based on resveratrol, an ingredient in red wine that has been linked to increased longevity [2]. In a small diabetes trial the drug delivered positive safety data and demonstrated its ability to cut blood glucose levels. The drug is also in a mid-stage trial in combination with metformin as a therapy for diabetes.

"This is the first time that a small molecule targeting sirtuins, the genes which control the aging process, has shown efficacy in a disease of ageing," said Dr Peter Elliott, senior vice president of development at Sirtris, a 2007 Fierce 15 company [3]. "We are very pleased to see the safety profile observed in preclinical studies translate into a well-tolerated drug molecule in patients, and we are very encouraged by the glucose-lowering effects measured in the oral glucose test."

- check out this release [4]
- read the report [5] on Sirtris in The Telegraph

Related Articles:
Sirtris finds three chemicals with low-cal benefits. Report [6]
Sirtris aims to cash in on resveratrol buzz. Report [7]
Resveratrol shows promise as diabetes treatment. Report [8]
Sirtris highlights advances in treating diseases of aging. Report [9]