Xoma diabetes antibody positive after one dose

Xoma is touting early-stage data that demonstrates a single dose of XOMA 052 was enough to improve blood sugar control among type 2 diabetes patients. If the antibody holds up under extensive scrutiny, it could lead the way to a single monthly dose for diabetics. The drug blocks interleukin-1 beta, a protein that triggers inflammation. Interim data from two Phase I trials recorded reduced levels of HbA1c in four of five dose level groups.

"XOMA 052 is the first anti-IL-1 beta specific drug to demonstrate biological activity against diabetes and inflammation in Type 2 diabetes patients," said Marc Y. Donath, M.D., professor at the University Hospital of Zurich and European clinical trial principal investigator. "Bearing in mind that HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over a three month period, these levels of early reduction are particularly encouraging."

- check out the Xoma release

ALSO: Novo Nordisk presented new late-stage data that demonstrated adding the investigational drug liraglutide to metformin and rosiglitazone improved blood glucose lowering (HBA1c), weight loss, blood pressure reduction and improvements in beta-cell functioning. The company said on Friday that the FDA's assessment of the drug is likely to be delayed by about two months. Novo Nordisk release

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