Isis Initiates Phase 1 Study of ISIS-PTP1BRx to Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ISIS announced today that it has initiated a Phase 1 clinical study for ISIS-PTP1BRx, an antisense drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes targeting protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B, PTP-1B. ISIS-PTP1BRx is designed to increase the body's sensitivity to the natural hormone insulin, resulting in better glucose control for patients with type 2 diabetes. Because of its unique mechanism ISIS-PTP1BRx has the potential to contribute to the treatment of type 2 diabetes without causing weight gain or hypoglycemia. The reductions in LDL-C produced by PTP-1B inhibition should also provide an added benefit to patients.