Asthma drug promises cure for diabetes and obesity

13 February, 2013

Diabetes and obesity are some of the common diseases seen globally. The number of cases of obesity and diabetes are growing at a faster pace all over the world, and according to some studies, the number will increase drastically in next twenty years.

An off-patent drug, Amlexanox which is currently prescribed for the treatment of asthma is known to reverse obesity, diabetes and fatty liver, says a new study, done by Alan Saltiel, the Mary Sue Coleman director of the University of Michigan's Life Sciences Institute. Different formulations of this drug are currently prescribed to treat Asthma in Japan and Canker sores in United States.

Amlexanox helps in stimulating the metabolic response to excessive calorie storage. Saltiel is teaming up with clinical-trial specialists at U-M to test whether amlexanox will work for treating obesity and diabetes in humans or not. Another research is also going on to develop a new compound based on the drug that optimizes its formula.

According to the study, the genes IKKE and TBK1 play an important role in maintaining the metabolic balance of the body. And amlexanox works by inhibiting two genes-IKKE and TBK1, and the drug seems to free the metabolic system to burn more, and possibly store less, energy.

Saltiel told ANI: “These studies tell us that, at least in mice, the IKKE/TBK1 pathway plays an important role in defending body weight by increasing storage and decreasing burning of calories, and by inhibiting that pathway with a compound, we can increase metabolism and induce weight loss, reverse diabetes and reduce fatty liver.”

The drug is available in Japan for more than 25 years, but it's not clear that how it responds on humans. If this drug shows effectiveness on human body then it will be boon for the treatment of obesity and diabetes in humans.

Apart from this, there is a firm need for culturally appropriate educational literature that tells us about the risk of eating badly and not doing exercises. A modified lifestyle will also help in avoiding such a health care crisis globally.