Triple Drug Combination for Type 1 Diabetes Beta-Cell Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for type 1 diabetes, such as lifelong insulin injections, often lead to complications like hypoglycemia and are not curative, with a need for new methods that can preserve or regenerate β-cells to reduce insulin dependency.

Innovation Solution

A combination therapy of a dipeptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or its receptor agonist, administered orally, which works to regenerate β-cells and reduce insulin requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lifelong insulin injections are administered to treat type 1 diabetes, then blood glucose control is maintained, but the patient develops complications such as hypoglycemia and becomes permanently dependent on insulin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose controlVSAvoidhypoglycemia and insulin dependency complications
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a combination of three substances (DPP-4 inhibitor, PPI, and GABA or GABA receptor agonist) as intermediary agents that mediate between the autoimmune destruction of beta-cells and the need for insulin. This combination therapy acts as a bridge to preserve remaining beta-cell function and reduce autoimmune attack, thereby reducing insulin dependency while maintaining glucose control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the therapeutic parameters by introducing a triple combination therapy that targets multiple pathways simultaneously: DPP-4 inhibition to preserve incretin activity, PPI to reduce gastric acid and potentially protect beta-cells, and GABA to modulate neuronal regulation of insulin secretion. This multi-parameter approach allows for reduced insulin dosing while maintaining glycemic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If new drugs are developed to preserve or regenerate beta-cells, then insulin dependency can be reduced, but the treatment complexity and development cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeta-cell preservation and regeneration capabilityVSAvoidtreatment regimen complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges three different therapeutic agents into a single combination regimen that targets multiple aspects of beta-cell protection and regeneration. By combining DPP-4 inhibitor, PPI, and GABA-based therapy, the patent creates a synergistic effect that addresses both the autoimmune destruction and the functional preservation of beta-cells, thereby reducing insulin dependency through a coordinated multi-target approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If proton pump inhibitors are administered to patients with type 1 diabetes, then beta-cell function may be preserved, but the long-term effects and interactions with other medications are not fully understood

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeta-cell function preservationVSAvoidlong-term safety and interaction data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates monitoring and assessment mechanisms to track beta-cell function, insulin requirements, and potential side effects over time. This feedback approach allows for adjustment of the combination therapy based on individual patient responses, thereby gathering real-world safety and efficacy data while optimizing treatment outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3520786B1A combination of substances for use in regenerative therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 LEVICURE LTD
  • EP3520786B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3520786B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3520786B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention applies to the field of medicine, namely to endocrinology, and can be used to treat type 1 diabetes. The invention proposes a combination containing a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and gamma-aminobutyric acid or a gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist. This unique combination and dosage of drugs leads to the regeneration (recovery) of the β-cells of the pancreas, presented by a dramatic reduction of insulin requirements up to a total insulin discontinuation in some persons and is intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.