Claudia Villalobos
A small, as-yet-unnamed molecule was discovered serendipitously by scientist Guadalupe Cleva Villanueva López from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) and Robert David Kross (+), a researcher from Kross-Link Laboratories in New York, recently obtained US patent number US 11,439,606 B2. This molecule could be a breakthrough in controlling both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as it exhibits the same effect as insulin but can be administered orally.
According to the specialist from the Escuela Superior de Medicina (ESM), it is crucial to sharpen the senses and carefully analyze information generated from scientific experimentation, as ongoing research can sometimes take a 180-degree turn. In this case, studying the hypoglycemic action of a natural compound took an unexpected turn when scientists discovered that the result was not due to the substance under study but rather to the functional group of a small molecule contained in the solvent.
After multiple experiments on diabetic rats, the tiny molecule, consisting of just four atoms interacting with the insulin receptor, became a significant discovery that could establish itself as a new hypoglycemic agent. This discovery could help maintain optimal blood glucose levels and improve the quality of life for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, eliminating the need for daily injections. The doses would be variable and administered according to the patient's glucose levels, providing a more patient-friendly approach to treatment.
Insulin is one of the hormones produced by the pancreas, playing a crucial role in maintaining proper balance in the body. It acts as a key, unlocking the doors of cells to allow glucose to enter and be used as energy.
When glucose cannot enter cells due to a lack of insulin, it accumulates in the blood and can cause complications if left untreated.
The experiments involved administering the vehicle intraperitoneally every day for 14 weeks to a group of female and male rats with type 1 diabetes (which can only be treated with insulin), a group of diabetic rodents were not given the solvent and a third group of healthy animals were given the diluent.
With treatment, the first group remained stable at 150 to 180 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) of blood glucose; the untreated animals developed cataracts similar to humans and died after reaching glycemic indices of 600 mg/dl, while the healthy rodents developed hypoglycemia and died from it.
Unlike metformin (an oral hypoglycemic for controlling type 2 diabetes), the newly patented molecule could also be beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes as it acts on the insulin receptor. This could be an advantage for treating children who might find it challenging to learn self-injection at an early age.
In addition to testing its effectiveness for both types of diabetes, Dr. Cleva Villanueva reported that they would soon begin studies to evaluate the molecule in an animal model with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), a genetic form of diabetes. They presume the molecule could also be useful in treating this condition.
The pharmacology expert, with 43 years of scientific experience, explained that the patent, valid until 2042, was granted based on evidence from the preclinical stage. The IPN's support is sought for the clinical stage, which would involve evaluating the molecule in volunteer patients through agreements the IPN holds with various health sector hospitals and institutes.
She emphasized that if, for any reason, the clinical stage couldn't be completed with the support of the IPN, they would seek to sell the patent titled "Reduction of hypoglycemia by administration of dimethylformamide for treating hyperglycemic conditions, including diabetes mellitus" to a pharmaceutical company. The primary goal is to translate the results of this research into benefits for society.
In March 2024, the doctor, who is a member of the National System of Researchers (SNII) Level I, will present the results of the study at an international congress to be held in Florence, Italy, which will be attended by several companies presenting new developments in the field of diabetes. "We are confident that someone will show interest in supporting the project or in acquiring the patent," she said.
Achieving Great Results with Limited Resources
The academic excellence of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional is indisputable; even though it is a public educational institution, its laboratories conduct cutting-edge research.
"Undoubtedly, infrastructure is important in science; however, many times with few resources we can obtain great results, in some areas expensive equipment is required, but in others it is not, the important thing is to observe carefully and handle the information generated with great care," said Dr. Cleva Villanueva.
She considered that promoting mobility in young people is transcendental, since many times carrying out postgraduate studies or a stay in another country can be decisive in the training and contributions made in science.
"An example of this are the young graduates of the ESM, Emilio Yaroslav Garcia, who works directly with two Nobel Prize winners at the University of North Carolina, while Alain Rios Davila is a professor at the University of Tokyo," said the expert in pharmacology.
Awakening interest
Her strong character, passion for science and love for teaching allow Dr. Guadalupe Cleva Villanueva López to carry out collaborations at the national level, but also to have international projects in which she involves the students.
Currently, two doctoral students and one undergraduate student are working on their theses based on this research. In addition, six students from the first semesters of undergraduate studies and six from the Centro de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos (CECyT) 6 "Miguel Othón de Mendizábal" collaborate in the laboratory directed by Dr. Villanueva López, where they have strengthened their scientific vocation and participate in the generation of new knowledge oriented to the wellbeing of the population.
Selección Gaceta Politécnica #169. (December 31st, 2023). IPN Imagen Institucional: Read the full magazine in Spanish here.
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