DB160

	Lead Identification	Candidate Selection Proof of Principle	Pre-Clinical Development	Phase 1	Phase 2a
Development Phase

Product/Technology Name: DB160 (DPP-IV Inhibitor)

Condition/Disease Targeted: Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose: DB160 is a highly potent and selective small molecule Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor.  DPP-IV is an enzyme that inactivates GLP-1.

GLP-1 is a key hormone that counteracts the four causative factors of high blood sugar:

• increased glucose absorption from the gut,
• increased glucose production in the liver,
• decreased glucose uptake in fat and muscle, and
• decreased insulin secretion.

By blocking the activities of DPP-IV, the rapid breakdown of GLP-1 is diminished.  This allows GLP-1 to remain active, improving blood sugar levels while maintaining a low risk of resultant hypoglycemia.

Product Development: Our clinical candidate, DB160, is in pre-clinical development with an IND submission targeted for 2008.

DB160 has a competitive product profile with early toxicology studies pointing to potential safety and pharmacokinetic advantages over competitor molecules.  Once-a-day oral administration is expected.

Viability: Clinical studies have indicated that orally-delivered DPP IV inhibitors reduce blood glucose and increase insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetic patients.

In the U.S. alone DPP-IV inhibitor sales are projected to exceed $5.9B in 2020 [out of a $61B diabetes drug U.S. Market: WR Hambrecht & Co. estimates (2006)]