MSDC raises $23.5 million to begin a new clinical trial

Metabolic Solutions Development Company has raised enough money to proceed with a clinical trial of its novel drug candidate that will target type 2 diabetes, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The company, which develops therapeutics to treat diabetes and other metabolic disorders, announced this week that it had raised $23.5 million, bringing the total raised since 2006 to $50 million. The funds will allow the company to conduct a Phase 2b double-blind clinical trial with more than 420 patients at 30 planned sites.

MSDC-0160, the drug candidate, would significantly improve the safety profile of those suffering from type 2 diabetes by correcting a root cause of the disease. It also helps to improve blood pressure and lipids, according to the paper.

“If the results of the Phase 2a study are successfully extended in this Phase 2b trial, we will generate additional momentum for our development program as we drive toward achieving our long-term goal of a therapeutic option that could be used early in the course of the disease to inhibit the otherwise inexorable progression of diabetes and its complications,” said Jerry Colca, president and chief scientific officer at MSDC.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 17.9 million adults currently suffer from diabetes, with an additional 5.7 million who are undiagnosed.