Relaxin Therapy for Beta-Cell Protection in Impaired Glucose Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and insulin resistance, which often lead to type-2 diabetes, have adverse effects and fail to prevent the progression of metabolic dysglycaemia or cease the disease's progression.

Innovation Solution

Administration of a therapeutically effective amount of relaxin, either in its natural or synthetic form, to ameliorate the effects of high blood sugar on pancreatic beta-cells, preserving their function and reducing the risk of related illnesses, through a slow-release formulation for prolonged action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) are used to treat impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, then blood sugar levels are controlled, but adverse effects occur (weight gain, lactate acidosis, hypoglycaemia, heart failure, renal failure) and the progression of metabolic dysglycaemia is not prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in controlling blood sugarVSAvoidadverse effects (weight gain, lactate acidosis, hypoglycaemia, heart failure, renal failure)

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces relaxin as an intermediary substance that mediates between the body's insulin resistance problem and glucose control needs. Relaxin acts through a different mechanism than conventional drugs, improving insulin sensitivity and protecting beta-cells without causing the harmful metabolic side effects of existing medications. It serves as a bridge that addresses insulin resistance directly rather than simply managing blood sugar levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the therapeutic parameter from direct glucose lowering (conventional approach) to improving insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function (relaxin approach). By altering the fundamental mechanism of action - from suppressing glucose production or stimulating insulin secretion to enhancing insulin sensitivity and protecting beta-cells - the patent achieves glucose control without the adverse effects associated with parameter changes in conventional treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional medications are used to control blood sugar, then hyperglycaemia is reduced, but the progression of type-2 diabetes cannot be ceased or prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood sugar controlVSAvoiddisease progression prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by protecting beta-cells from glucotoxicity and preserving their function before they are completely damaged. Relaxin acts prophylactically to prevent beta-cell exhaustion and dysfunction, addressing the root cause of diabetes progression rather than merely managing symptoms. This preliminary protection of beta-cells prevents the irreversible progression to full-blown type-2 diabetes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of high glucose levels (glucotoxicity) into a beneficial therapeutic effect. Instead of allowing glucotoxicity to damage beta-cells progressively, relaxin harnesses the therapeutic window of glucose control to protect beta-cells during periods of elevated glucose, transforming the harmful glucotoxic environment into an opportunity for protective action that prevents disease progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If metformin is used as first-line treatment to decrease overall mortality, then cardiovascular complications are reduced, but it reduces hyperglycaemia primarily by suppressing glucose production by the liver rather than addressing insulin resistance directly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemortality reductionVSAvoidmechanism of action coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by introducing relaxin as a multi-functional therapeutic agent that simultaneously addresses multiple aspects of insulin resistance syndrome. Relaxin not only improves insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat cells but also protects beta-cells, reduces inflammation, and improves cardiovascular function. This multi-functionality makes it a versatile treatment that can be adapted to various manifestations of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10842851B2Relaxin for treating patients afflicted of impaired glucose tolerance

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 IMMUNDIAGNOSTIK AG

AI summary

A pharmaceutical composition for treatment for of r afflicted or in risk of becoming of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or type-2 it comprising an effective amount of relaxin for protecting beta-cells and beta-cell function against the effects of high blood glucose (glucotoxicity). Treatment of persons of disglycaemias, and protection of beta cells of the islets of Langerhans and beta-cell function in patients having type-2 diabetes, is diclosed.