PGC GLP-1 Program

PharmaIN is currently conducting preclinical studies with GLP-1, combining the natural peptide hormone with our PGC drug delivery platform. The natural peptide GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) acts throughout the body to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and control appetite. The Company's PGC GLP-1 program for diabetes treatment is currently being funded by a $3 million Phase 2 SBIR grant from NIH/NIDDK.

The therapeutic potential of this novel approach in diabetes was reinforced in October 2004, when GlaxoSmithKline entered into a licensing arrangement with Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (HGSI) to secure worldwide license to "Albugon" after preclinical testing. The HGSI molecule is produced by recombinantly fusing the human albumin and glucagon like peptide-1 genes. GSK agreed to pay HGSI royalties and milestones up to $183 million. This new drug candidate entered human clinical testing in late 2005 for potential use in the treatment of type II diabetes. Later stage licensing deals also indicate substantial value to our PGC GLP-1 program.

The natural form of GLP-1 is not viable as a therapeutic alone because the peptide has an extremely short half-life in the body, less than eight minutes - a hurdle others have not overcome without creating analogs or non-human / modified sequence peptides. Using our advanced drug delivery platform, PharmaIN scientists have increased circulating GLP-1 levels dramatically, and for extended periods of time, in rodent preclinical studies. PharmaIN expects to complete a validating experiment using a rodent model for type II diabetes and then evaluate options to partner with a biopharmaceutical company or to maintain ownership and complete the product's development through human clinical trial validation.