Targeting galectin-3 to overcome insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes

Project Summary/Abstract
Obesity-mediated insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D), which accounts for ~90% of all
diabetes. Despite many drugs that are available to treat T2D, there is no FDA-approved drug that directly
works on the insulin receptor (IR) to overcome insulin resistance. Recent studies show that galectin-3 (Gal3)
can bind directly to the IR and inhibit downstream IR signaling causing insulin resistance and impaired glucose
tolerance in obesity-induced T2D. Our scientific premise is that we have developed a very potent Gal3
antagonist, TFD100, from a natural dietary source. The primary objective of this Phase II proposal is to
complete the preclinical studies required for our IND submission to the FDA to enable the initiation of a first–in–
human Phase 1 clinical trial. Successful completion of our proposed aims will achieve a significant value
inflection point for the company, positioning us well for either partnering or a capital raise.
The proposed research embodies technological innovation in two areas: 1) This will be the first FDA-
approved biologic therapeutics based on a natural carbohydrate compound; 2) TFD100’s picomolar affinity
to Gal3 has many advantages including overcoming the common saturation issue related to antigenicity. An
anticipated corollary benefit of the proposed studies includes the elucidation of novel lectin-mediated molecular
mechanisms of cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions that modulate IR signaling in T2D. This
knowledge will be fundamental to opening-up new carbohydrate-based approaches to T2D treatments.
We have successfully completed Phase 1 studies. In studies with cells, Gal3 inhibited IR/IRS-1 activation,
which was reversed by TFD100. In high fat diet (HFD) animal model, TFD100 treatment significantly improved
glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance compared to the vehicle-treated animals. After analyzing our results,
we are excited to continue our drug development. TFD100 is a biologic drug and we believe that TFD100 will
likely be distributed as a solution in the prefilled cartridge to be taken by T2D patients at home similar to non-
invasive SC injection of insulin or Ozempic. To enhance the scientific rigor, we plan to ascertain SC
administered TFD100’s ability to treat T2D in HFD model, and to complete relevant IND-enabling experiments
in the following specific aims: 1) Determine PK/PD of TFD100; 2) Ascertain efficacy of SC administered
TFD100 to treat HFD induced obesity, insulin resistance and T2D, and 3) GLP production of TFD100 for
future toxicology studies. The proposed activities will be either performed by expert contractual collaborators
or will be guided by an exceptional consultant team with specialized industry expertise in biologics product
development, regulation, and clinical development. The outcomes of these studies will lead to the submission
of IND to the FDA followed by a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Grant Number: 5R44DK125126-03
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: HAFIZ AHMED