DiObex has begun treating patients with type 2 diabetes in a phase II trial evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics of three dose levels of its cortisol synthesis inhibitor, DIO-902.

There are convincing data supporting the concept that abnormalities in cortisol activity are an important cause of insulin resistance, visceral fat deposition, elevated cholesterol and blood pressure.

These abnormalities, commonly present in patients with type 2 diabetes and obese pre-diabetic patients, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“We are very excited at the prospect of continuing human clinical development for this novel cortisol synthesis inhibitor. Many big pharma companies are in hot pursuit of this target and we believe that DIO-902 is at the head of the pack in the advancement of this new and exciting class of drugs,” said Daniel Green, president of DiObex.