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| Drugs in Development |
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| Definition |
Type 2 diabetes is a cluster of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia results from defects in insulin secretion, sensitivity to insulin action, or both. As a result, long-term damage and failure of various organs, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels, can occur. |
| Effects |
Long-term complications of diabetes include:
- retinopathy with potential loss of vision
- nephropathy leading to kidney failure
- peripheral neuropathy with risk of foot ulcers, amputations, and Charcot joints
- autonomic neuropathy causing gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and cardiovascular symptoms and sexual dysfunction
- an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease with hypertension and abnormal lipoprotein metabolism
(Diabetes Care 29:S43-S48, 2006) |
| Facts |
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally over 170 million people have diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of all cases of diabetes.
- Worldwide the costs associated with treating diabetes and its complications are estimated to exceed $200 billion a year.
- By 2030, the prevalence of diabetes is predicted to double, driven by adverse lifestyle changes which have resulted in an explosion in the incidences of obesity, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
- The market for type 2 diabetes therapeutics is projected to be $20.5B by 2012. (Source: Decision Resources)
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| DARA's Approach |
| Worldwide, diabetes is a huge and growing problem for which new treatments are needed. Dara Biosciences’ strategy is to pursue multiple and potentially complementary approaches to improving the chronic hyperglycemia of type 2 diabetes. Through improved glycemic control the risk of diabetic complications can be lessened. Our focus is on developing orally delivered small molecule therapeutics. |
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Metabolic
Diseases