DiaMedica study shows DM-199 increases C-peptide levels

DiaMedica (TSX:DMA) has released new, compelling Type 1 diabetes data, showing that in an in vivo study, the chronic administration of its DM-199 treatment significantly delayed the autoimmune attack, preserved beta cell mass and demonstrated a 12-fold increase in circulating C-peptide levels in the non-obese diabetic animal model.

“The most compelling results of the study was the significant, dose-dependent increase in circulating C-peptide levels, a key indicator of functional beta cells producing insulin,” lead investigator Dr. Alexi Savinov of The Sanford Project, said in a statement.

“Such an unprecedented increase in C-peptide levels reflects not only improved insulin secretion, but most likely points towards DM-199′s ability to stabilize and preserve C-peptide in peripheral blood. These effects of DM-199 treatment can also provide potential benefit to patients suffering from diabetes complications such as diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage which can lead to loss of feeling and limb amputation), nephropathy (progressive kidney disease leading to failure and dialysis) and retinopathy (progressive loss of eyesight).”

DiaMedica CEO Rick Pauls said that the fact that C-peptide levels actually exceeded the normal physiological range and achieved therapeutic concentrations used in clinical studies suggests that DM-199 is a “very strong clinical candidate for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes and some of its complications.”

C-peptide is the primary indicator of functional beta cells producing insulin, as there is a 1:1 relationship between C-peptide and insulin production, he added.

Dr. Savinov presented results of the study at the 21st International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress in Dubai today.