Scientists create diabetes drug that stimulates beta cell growth

Researchers from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) have made a major advance by identifying a new drug target that is able to stimulate beta cell growth.

In association with pharmaceutical company Roche, scientists have found that inhibiting a protein known as Bace2 can play a crucial role in regulating and encouraging the growth of pancreatic beta cells, a key goal in diabetes research.

Roche was able to create a chemical compound to inhibit this protein among mice, which represents a significant advance in the process of developing a new drug to perform this function.

Further data from the study could help in the creation of tests for the related protein Tmem27, a possible biomarker that could be used as an index of beta cell numbers.

Dr Patricia Kilian, scientific programme director of regeneration research at JDRF, said: "This is an exciting and potentially impactful finding. It's an example of how researchers make an early observation … and then take it to the next level where it has translational potential."

Last month, NHS figures revealed that the cost of diabetes drugs among primary care providers has risen significantly in the last five years.