Inhibition of beta cell degeneration

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for modulating, inhibiting or decreasing or preventing beta cell degeneration, loss of beta cell function, beta cell dysfunction, and/or death of beta cells, such as necrosis or apoptosis of beta cells in a subject comprising administering a GLP-1 agonist to said subject.

1 . Use of a GLP-1 agonist for the preparation of a medicament for treatment of beta cell degeneration.  
     
     
         2 . The use according to  claim 1  wherein the beta cell degeneration is apoptosis of β-cells.  
     
     
         3 . The use according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the GLP-1 agonist is selected from a GLP-1 analogue, a GLP-1 derivative wherein at least one amino acid residue of the parent peptide has a lipophilic substituent attached, exendin or an analogue or derivative thereof, or a non-peptide, which binds to a GLP-1 receptor with an affinity constant, K D , below 1 μM.  
     
     
         4 . The use according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3  wherein the GLP-1 derivative is Arg 34 , Lys 26 (N-ε-(γ-Glu(N-α-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37).  
     
     
         5 . A method for treatment of beta cell degeneration in a subject comprising administering a GLP-1 agonist to said subject.  
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein the beta cell degeneration is apoptosis of β-cells.  
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 5  or  6  wherein the GLP-1 agonist is selected from a GLP-1 analogue, a GLP-1 derivative wherein at least one amino acid residue of the parent peptide has a lipophilic substituent attached, exendin or an analogue or derivative thereof, or a non-peptide, which binds to a GLP-1 receptor with an affinity constant, K D , below 1 μM.  
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 5 ,  6  or  7  wherein the GLP-1 derivative is Arg 34 , Lys 26 (N-ε-(γ-Glu(N-α-hexadecanoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37).