Semaglutide is in clinical development for the treatment of overweight and obese individuals. Excess weight can place stress on both mental and physical health, leading a number of complications such as depression, low self-esteem, and increased risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Weight can be affected by a number of factors such as diet, physical activity, genetics and general health conditions, however diet and exercise are the two main contributing factors. Being overweight is reversible through lifestyle changes such as increased exercise, healthy diet and a net calorie deficit, along with help through counselling and medication. If weight is not able to be controlled, surgery may be required. Therefore, there is an unmet need for pharmacological therapies that target both weight and glucose control.
Semaglutide, given as an injection under the skin, binds to, and activates the GLP-1 receptor. This reduces body weight and body fat mass through lowered energy intake, involving an overall reduced appetite. It also reduces the preference of fat foods. This could be an alternative treatment compared to other medication and surgery, and appears to be well-tolerated by patients.
Drugs
November 2020
Leriglitazone for X-linked andrenoleukodystrophy
Leriglitazone is expected to work in patients with ALD by activating receptors called ‘PPAR gamma’, found in the mitochondria, which are components within cells that generate energy. Leriglitazone will improve the ALD pathogenic cascade by improving mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, promoting demyelination and halting axonal degeneration. Hence, leriglitazone is expected to protect cells from damage and slow the progression of the disease. If licensed, leriglitazone would offer the first drug treatment option for adult ALD patients with AMN who currently have no effective therapies available.