AZ and Inserm collaborate on diabetes and kidney disease
A three year partnership between AstraZeneca (AZ) and French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) is aiming to advance the understanding of biological mechanisms that come with the conditions. Based on the findings, they hope to develop new therapeutic approaches to type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Professor Christian Boitard, director of the Inserm institute for physiopathology, metabolism and nutrition, said: “This collaboration is focusing our efforts in beta cells, mineralocorticoid receptor and lipids handling by tissues”. The collaboration will explore ways to prevent the release of lipids into the circulation, normalise fat deposition and increase insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Activity of the mineralocorticoid receptor will be investigated to better understand its complexities as a potential treatment.
Along with this, Dr Raphael Scharfmann at Inserm will develop models of human beta cells which will have lost their ability to produce and release insulin. This will allow better understanding of the biology of this effect and how it can be corrected with treatment.
Marcus Schindler, head of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases innovative medicines unit at AZ, commented: “By joining forces with Professors Langin, Jaisser and Scharfmann and their eminent research groups at Inserm, we strengthen further this ambition because their focus represents an ideal fit with our research strategy.”