Better beta cell activator

Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. says its small molecule 19AJ receptor agonists to treat Type II diabetes exploit a new mechanism of action to activate pancreatic islet beta cells to secrete insulin, without the risk of hypoglycemia that comes with some other compounds.

ARNA (San Diego, Calif.) identified the 19AJ receptor using its GPCR expression screening technology. The receptor was found in pancreas tissue and, more importantly, was found to be expressed specifically in pancreatic islet beta cells, according to Senior Vice President and CSO Dominic Behan. ...