Accessibility Statement Skip Navigation
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • +44 (0)20 7454 5110
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
Return to PR Newswire homepage
  • News
  • Products
  • Contact
When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type.

Searching for your content...

No results found. Please change your search terms and try again.
  • News in Focus
      • Browse News Releases

      • All Public Company News
      • All Multimedia News
      • View All News Releases

      • Regulatory News

      • D/A/CH Regulatory News
      • UK Regulatory News
      • View All Regulatory News

  • Business & Money
      • Auto & Transportation

      • Aerospace & Defense
      • Air Freight
      • Airlines & Aviation
      • Automotive
      • Maritime & Shipbuilding
      • Railroads & Intermodal Transportation
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Transportation, Trucking & Railroad
      • Travel
      • Trucking & Road Transportation
      • View All Auto & Transportation

      • Business Technology

      • Blockchain
      • Broadcast Tech
      • Computer & Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Components
      • Electronic Design Automation
      • Financial Technology
      • High Tech Security
      • Internet Technology
      • Nanotechnology
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Semiconductors
      • View All Business Technology

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film & Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Financial Services & Investing

      • Accounting News & Issues
      • Acquisitions, Mergers & Takeovers
      • Banking & Financial Services
      • Bankruptcy
      • Bond & Stock Ratings
      • Conference Call Announcements
      • Contracts
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Dividends
      • Earnings
      • Earnings Forecasts & Projections
      • Financing Agreements
      • Insurance
      • Investments Opinions
      • Joint Ventures
      • Mutual Funds
      • Private Placement
      • Real Estate
      • Restructuring & Recapitalisation
      • Sales Reports
      • Shareholder Activism
      • Shareholder Meetings
      • Stock Offering
      • Stock Split
      • Venture Capital
      • View All Financial Services & Investing

      • General Business

      • Awards
      • Commercial Real Estate
      • Corporate Expansion
      • Earnings
      • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
      • Human Resource & Workforce Management
      • Licensing
      • New Products & Services
      • Obituaries
      • Outsourcing Businesses
      • Overseas Real Estate (non-US)
      • Personnel Announcements
      • Real Estate Transactions
      • Residential Real Estate
      • Small Business Services
      • Socially Responsible Investing
      • Surveys, Polls & Research
      • Trade Show News
      • View All General Business

  • Science & Tech
      • Consumer Technology

      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Blockchain
      • Cloud Computing/Internet of Things
      • Computer Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Gaming
      • Financial Technology
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Multimedia & Internet
      • Peripherals
      • Social Media
      • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Wireless Communications
      • View All Consumer Technology

      • Energy & Natural Resources

      • Alternative Energies
      • Chemical
      • Electrical Utilities
      • Gas
      • General Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Oil & Energy
      • Oil & Gas Discoveries
      • Utilities
      • Water Utilities
      • View All Energy & Natural Resources

      • Environ­ment

      • Conservation & Recycling
      • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Policy
      • Environmental Products & Services
      • Green Technology
      • Natural Disasters
      • View All Environ­ment

      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Aerospace & Defence
      • Agriculture
      • Chemical
      • Construction & Building
      • General Manufacturing
      • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning)
      • Machinery
      • Machine Tools, Metalworking & Metallurgy
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Paper, Forest Products & Containers
      • Precious Metals
      • Textiles
      • Tobacco
      • View All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Telecomm­unications

      • Carriers & Services
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Telecommunications Equipment
      • Telecommunications Industry
      • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
      • Wireless Communications
      • View All Telecomm­unications

  • Lifestyle & Health
      • Consumer Products & Retail

      • Animals & Pets
      • Beers, Wines & Spirits
      • Beverages
      • Bridal Services
      • Cannabis
      • Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • Fashion
      • Food & Beverages
      • Furniture & Furnishings
      • Home Improvement
      • Household, Consumer & Cosmetics
      • Household Products
      • Jewellery
      • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
      • Office Products
      • Organic Food
      • Product Recalls
      • Restaurants
      • Retail
      • Supermarkets
      • Toys
      • View All Consumer Products & Retail

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film & Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Health

      • Biometrics
      • Biotechnology
      • Clinical Trials & Medical Discoveries
      • Dentistry
      • FDA Approval
      • Fitness/Wellness
      • Health Care & Hospitals
      • Health Insurance
      • Infection Control
      • International Medical Approval
      • Medical Equipment
      • Medical Pharmaceuticals
      • Mental Health
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Supplementary Medicine
      • View All Health

      • Sports

      • General Sports
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Sporting Events
      • Sports Equipment & Accessories
      • View All Sports

      • Travel

      • Amusement Parks & Tourist Attractions
      • Gambling & Casinos
      • Hotels & Resorts
      • Leisure & Tourism
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Passenger Aviation
      • Travel Industry
      • View All Travel

  • Policy & Public Interest
      • Policy & Public Interest

      • Animal Welfare
      • Corporate Social Responsibility
      • Economic News, Trends & Analysis
      • Education
      • Environmental
      • European Government
      • Labour & Union
      • Natural Disasters
      • Not For Profit
      • Public Safety
      • View All Policy & Public Interest

  • People & Culture
      • People & Culture

      • Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American
      • African American
      • Asian American
      • Children
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
      • Hispanic
      • Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
      • Men's Interest
      • People with Disabilities
      • Religion
      • Senior Citizens
      • Veterans
      • Women
      • View All People & Culture

  • Overview
  • Distribution
  • Paid Placement
  • Multichannel Amplification
  • Disclosure Services
  • SocialBoost
  • Rooms
    • MediaRoom
    • ESG Rooms
  • AI Tools
  • General Enquiries
  • Media Enquiries
  • Partnerships
  • Hamburger menu
  • Cision PR Newswire UK provides press release distribution, targeting, monitoring, and marketing services
  • Send a Release
    • Phone

    • +44 (0)20 7454 5110 from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT

    • ALL CONTACT INFO
    • Contact Us

      +44 (0)20 7454 5110
      from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT

  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • News in Focus
    • Browse News Releases
    • Regulatory News
  • Business & Money
    • Auto & Transportation
    • Business Technology
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Financial Services & Investing
    • General Business
  • Science & Tech
    • Consumer Technology
    • Energy & Natural Resources
    • Environ­ment
    • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
    • Telecomm­unications
  • Lifestyle & Health
    • Consumer Products & Retail
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Travel
  • Policy & Public Interest
    • Policy & Public Interest
  • People & Culture
    • People & Culture
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Overview
  • Distribution
  • Paid Placement
  • Multichannel Amplification
  • Disclosure Services
  • Cision Communications Cloud®
  • AI Tools
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • General Enquiries
  • Media Enquiries
  • Partnerships
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists

Gene Therapy Holds Out Hope for Diabetics


News provided by

NetworkNewsWire

28 Feb, 2018, 13:30 GMT

Share this article

Share toX

Share this article

Share toX

NEW YORK, February 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

NetworkNewsWire Editorial Coverage: 

Since its first successful use nearly 30 years ago, gene therapy has grown into an important if experimental part of the medical sector. Now it is taking off in a big way, offering treatment for chronic ailments such as diabetes and other conditions. PreveCeutical Medical, Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTC: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) (PRVCF Profile) is at the forefront of this segment of healthcare, seeking preventive gene treatments to tackle Type 2 diabetes. MannKind Corp. (NASDAQ: MNKD) is offering other innovations for diabetics, with the first inhalation-based drug for managing insulin levels, and Danish multinational Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) offers support for tackling diabetes, with 85% of its business in this area. The potential of gene therapy is being proved with other ailments, for example the work of Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGMO) on hemophilia, Huntington's disease, and HIV. Even obscure diseases are becoming treatable through gene therapy thanks to Audentes Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDQ: BOLD), whose virally carried treatments tackle Criger-Najjar syndrome and Pompe disease.

Cures on a Genetic Level

Gene therapy is one of the most cutting-edge and potentially powerful tools available in modern medicine. By introducing foreign genetic material into a patient, doctors can change the way the human body reacts. This could be used to tackle chronic and difficult to treat diseases, including genetic disorders and tough viruses. The main focus of research so far has been on treating cancer.

Though most work is still in the experimental phase, governments and corporations increasingly recognize the potential of such treatments. Grants and investment for work in this area mean that research is still a major part of the revenue stream for gene therapy companies. As exciting new techniques are developed, a growing number of companies are looking to get in on this vital part of the medical market. One of the most promising areas of research is the treatment of diabetes.

Prevention Before Cure

Among the companies exploring the potential of this technology is PreveCeutical (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H). Founded in 2015, PreveCeutical is dedicated to preventive approaches to medicine. Rather than waiting for the disease to manifest and then dealing with the symptoms, PreveCeutical focuses on stopping the problem in its tracks.

Led by a team with decades of combined experience in research and entrepreneurship, PreveCeutical brings a mix of grounded experience and fresh vision to healthcare. While focused primarily on preventive medicine, the company is exploring both preventive and curative treatments using organic and nature identical products. The aim is to provide effective treatments that combine the complex and often under-utilized potential of nature with the rigor of scientific research.

Gene Therapy

The company's research division, headed by Dr. Harry Parekh, is exploring the potential of gene therapy to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

One of the biggest challenges for gene therapy is getting beyond single gene treatments. If a disease is triggered by a single gene, then the therapy only needs to tackle that one gene - a challenging task in itself. If, like diabetes, it is caused by multiple genes, then more complex treatment is needed. Just understanding the causes of a disease is more complex. This is where PreveCeutical's research is focused.

Through five years of multi-disciplinary research, Dr. Parekh and his team have built up a convincing model of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. They have identified a single gene that causes many cases of these diseases, and so can be targeted to prevent them. This paves the way for clinical work on curing these diseases through gene therapy.


"With diabetes, over-production of a particular protein molecule has been identified and purposed to be responsible for the key drivers of diabetes and obesity, starting patient on an inevitable journey of significant co-morbidity and increased rates of mortality. PreveCeutical's gene-silencing technology would effectively "turn off" the genetic signal which leads to the over-production of this key protein molecule, bringing it back down to safe, normalized levels … Thus gene-silencing does not represent a mere management for diabetes and obesity, it represents the potential for a bona fide cure," Dr. Parekh explains (http://nnw.fm/e2NW2).

Tackling Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity and diabetes are linked and are both becoming more prevalent. Tackling diabetes alone cost $827 billion around the world in 2016. With diagnoses of diabetes rising, in part in response to dietary changes, around 300 million people are currently affected by the disease, with this number expected to reach 600 million by 2020. That's a huge market of customers looking for effective treatments such as those offered by PreveCeutical's gene therapy.

Dr. Parekh's research identified a gene that overexpresses itself in the body, leading to excessive production of insulin and an imbalance in body fats.  Smart therapeutics will aim to prevent the overexpression of the gene, stopping the chain of processes that lead to diabetes and obesity. Targeting systems carry the genetic material to the tissues that do most to produce insulin, so that the gene therapy focuses on the areas where it will be most effective. By tackling the shortcomings in many other treatments, the company is looking to find a way to ensure that the genetic material is more effective when it hits its target. Proprietary chemistry unpacks the treatment in the tissue where it is needed, while the packaging biodegrades to provide extra nutrients and avoid leaving toxic carrier chemicals in the body.

Effective Drug Delivery

This safer, less toxic delivery of gene therapy ties in with one of PreveCeutical's wider research concerns: drug delivery. Its gene treatment for diabetes is a step away from the use of viruses to deliver the genetic material. The viral approach is common and, while effective, can leave toxic elements in the body. Instead, a biodegradable carrier becomes part of the treatment without negative side effects.

This concern with effective delivery is also behind the company's Sol-Gel nose-to-brain delivery system. The effectiveness of drugs is often limited by the effectiveness of the way they are delivered. Digestive enzymes can reduce the impact of swallowed drugs. Injection can become difficult or painful as injection sites inflame.

The Sol-Gel system is designed to provide a more effective, less toxic approach. A liquid form of the drug is delivered to the nasal passage, where it forms a gel. Over the course of up to seven days, it slowly releases the compound it contains, for a steady stream of treatment. PreveCeutical is exploring the use of this system for the increasingly important cannabidiol drug group, aiming to provide a delivery system that avoids the negative side-effects these drugs can have.

According to Grand View Research, the preventative healthcare market will be worth around $432 billion by 2024. People are becoming more aware of the benefits of such treatments, including lower costs and better quality of life. For those with chronic diseases, longer lifespans mean an even greater need to prevent diseases from manifesting. With its innovative technologies and a foot in the door of this market, PreveCeutical is taking the steps to become a major player in preventive medicine.

Exploring Therapies

PreveCeutical isn't the only company exploring the potential of gene therapies to address diabetes. New startup Endsulin is researching the use of gene therapy to treat Type 1 diabetes. Its work builds on research which found a single DNA sequence responsible for promoting and activating the human insulin gene. It aims to produce a single one-time injection which will provide millions of diabetics with better control over their glucose levels and so their health.

MannKind (NASDAQ: MNKD) is also looking at new ways to treat diabetes, among other ailments. The company's Afrezza product is the first inhalation-based drug for managing insulin levels in diabetics. Focused on novel delivery systems, the company is finding ways to help diabetics and those suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension.

On its website, Danish multinational Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) emphasizes the potential of the technology, stating that "Novo Nordisk finds that the contained use of gene technology is an important tool in the identification, development, and production of pharmaceuticals for patients. These pharmaceuticals could not otherwise be provided in sufficient quantity or quality" (http://nnw.fm/eh7uE). Founded over 90 years ago, the company has become a major global player in the pharmaceuticals market, with over 40,000 employees creating products sold in 180 countries. Novo reports that 85% of its business is concerned with treating and managing diabetes. It has branched out into other chronic diseases, looking at the unserved needs of hemophiliacs beyond hospital care.

With 21 years of experience, Sangamo Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SGMO) is an important player in the field of gene therapy. The company is developing treatments for a wide range of single gene diseases, including hemophilia, Huntington's disease, and HIV. By using gene therapy, genome editing, cell therapy, and gene regulation, it brings a range of approaches to bear in using genes to improve human health.

Gene therapy also has an important part to play in tackling diseases which are less well known but can be equally crippling for sufferers. Audentes Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BOLD) caters to this market. It is developing treatments that use the harmless adeno-associated virus to carry genetic material to the cells of patients. By dealing with diseases such as Criger-Najjar syndrome and Pompe disease, the company is serving a corner of the market that other companies are largely unconcerned with. It identifies the treatments most likely to result in meaningful successes and focuses on developing these cures for niche markets.

Gene therapy is increasingly important to the treatment of chronic disease. Now diabetics will also benefit from the preventive medicine this approach can bring.

For more information on PreveCeutical, visit PreveCeutical (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE:18H)

About NetworkNewsWire
NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is a financial news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via NetworkWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with NNW Prime. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. NNW is where news, content and information converge. For more information, please visit https://www.NetworkNewsWire.com.

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: http://NNW.fm/Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. References to any issuer other than the profiled issuer are intended solely to identify industry participants and do not constitute an endorsement of any issuer and do not constitute a comparison to the profiled issuer. FN Media Group (FNM) is a third-party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated with NNW or any company mentioned herein. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by NNW are solely those of NNW and are not shared by and do not reflect in any manner the views or opinions of FNM. Readers of this Article and content agree that they cannot and will not seek to hold liable NNW and FNM for any investment decisions by their readers or subscribers. NNW and FNM and their respective affiliated companies are a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and are NOT registered broker-dealers/analysts/investment advisers, hold no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.

The Article and content related to the profiled company represent the personal and subjective views of the Author, and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information provided in the Article and the content has been obtained from sources which the Author believes to be reliable. However, the Author has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of the Author, NNW, FNM, or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. This Article and content are not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action; readers are strongly urged to speak with their own investment advisor and review all of the profiled issuer's filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making any investment decisions and should understand the risks associated with an investment in the profiled issuer's securities, including, but not limited to, the complete loss of your investment.

NNW & FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements.  The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and NNW and FNM undertake no obligation to update such statements.

NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is affiliated with the Investor Brand Network (IBN).

About IBN
Over the past 10+ years we have consistently introduced new network brands, each specifically designed to fulfil the unique needs of our growing client base and services. Today, we continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients.

Please feel free to visit the Investor Brand Network (IBN) www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com.

Corporate Communications Contact:
NetworkNewsWire (NNW)
New York, New York
www.NetworkNewsWire.com  
212-418-1217 Office
Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com
   

Media Contact:
FN Media Group, LLC
NNW@FinancialNewsMedia.com  
+1-(954)345-0611

Modal title

Also from this source

Near-Term Production Assets Gain Traction amid Historic Gold Price Surge

Near-Term Production Assets Gain Traction amid Historic Gold Price Surge

Gold's remarkable surge — driven by an unstable U.S. fiscal policy and rising inflation — has propelled prices beyond the historic US$3,300 per ounce ...

From Exploration to Execution: New Gold Player Emerges in One of Canada's Premier Mining Districts

From Exploration to Execution: New Gold Player Emerges in One of Canada's Premier Mining Districts

Gold's meteoric rally, fueled by waning confidence in U.S. fiscal policy and soaring inflation, has not only pushed prices past the historic US$3,300 ...

More Releases From This Source

Explore

Biotechnology

Biotechnology

Health Care & Hospitals

Health Care & Hospitals

Medical Pharmaceuticals

Medical Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals

News Releases in Similar Topics

Contact PR Newswire

  • +44 (0)20 7454 5110
    from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT
  • General Enquiries
  • Media Enquiries
  • Partnerships

Products

  • Content Distribution
  • Multimedia Services
  • Disclosure Services
  • Cision Communications Cloud®

About

  • About PR Newswire
  • About Cision
  • Partnering Opportunities
  • Careers
  • Accessibility Statement
  • APAC
  • APAC - Simplified Chinese
  • APAC - Traditional Chinese
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Czech
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Mexico
  • Middle East
  • Middle East - Arabic
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Russia
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United States
  • Vietnam

My Services

  • All News Releases
  • Customer Portal
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Data Privacy

Do not sell or share my personal information:

  • Submit via Privacy@cision.com 
  • Call Privacy toll-free: 877-297-8921

Contact PR Newswire

Products

About

My Services
  • All News Releases
  • Customer Portal
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
+44 (0)20 7454 5110
from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Information Security Policy
  • Site Map
  • RSS
  • Cookie Settings
Copyright © 2025 PR Newswire Europe Limited. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.