Anti-aging drug as treatment for Type 2 diabetes?
Technology review has an interesting article about a new compound that may soon be tested as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
The drug is being developed by Sirtris Pharmaceuticals. It's essentially a super strong version of resveratrol, which is normally found in plants and is contained in red wine. The drug activates an enzyme called SIRT1 possibly producing an effect in the body that's similar to reducing caloric intake substantially.
Tests on mice with the new compound found the drug "improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels in three rodent models: diet-induced obese mice, genetically obese mice, and a rat model of type 2 diabetes." According to the article clinical testing may start in 2008.
I've recently started drinking an occasional glass of red wine because of the possible health benefits. Maybe in about five years I can just pop a pill instead! Though I think I'll likely stick with the red wine.
Labels: research, sirtris, trial, wine
posted by Bernard @ 9:10 AM
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