Cinnamon drugs for diabetes
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
PhytoMedical Technologies plans to fast-track development of a new drug class of cinnamon-derived polyphenolic compounds that could be used to treat type-2 diabetes, the firm announces Dec. 6. The compounds "possess unique antioxidant and insulin enhancing qualities" distinct from existing classes of diabetes drugs, the Princeton, N.J.-based firm states. According to results from a study of patients with type-2 diabetes, the compounds reduced levels of blood sugar by an average of 18% to 29%, triglycerides by 23% to 30%, LDL cholesterol by 7% to 27% and overall cholesterol by 12% to 26% without side effects, the company says. PhytoMedical plans to end its initial research and development work at the beginning of February and begin drug development in order to quickly pursue its investigational new drug (IND) application with FDA, according to company President & CEO Greg Wujek. The firm plans to begin Phase I human trials as soon as FDA approves the IND, according to the company...