Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. announcedthat they have established a worldwide collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to research and develop small molecule GPR119 agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The companies will work jointly to identify and advance candidates into pre-clinical development. Boehringer Ingelheim is responsible for the global development and commercialization of potential GPR119 agonist products.
GPR119 is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that has been implicated as a novel target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The activation of GPR119 receptors located in the digestive system stimulates incretins, resulting in increased insulin production, while activation of GPR119 receptors located on pancreatic islet beta cells also stimulates insulin secretion.
