A nutraceutical supplement and complementary approach in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes. It also has other effects observed in our preliminary studies, such as neuronal, vascular, and oxidative protection.
The technology is a nutraceutical or a dietary supplement product based on an enriched extract from Chilean seaweed. This extract is enriched in compounds capable of activating a target receptor of antidiabetic drugs. While these drugs usually present relevant side effects, our technology does not show them. This product will serve for the prevention and therapeutic monitoring of insulin resistance and diabetes, among other benefits, which also consider vascular protection, neuronal protection, and protection against oxidative stress. It is expected that the product can obtain a GRAS certification, to be able to enter the market quickly and with fewer regulatory requirements than pharmaceutical products.
The extract modulates the activity of an antidiabetic targeting receptorin vitro as well asin vivo. The receptor is the target of a family of antidiabetic drugs known as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or glitazones, which are used by patients who usually do not respond well to other antidiabetics and hypoglycemic drugs. However, TZDs have severe adverse effects, and this represents a higher risk in susceptible patients. Some countries have regulated or discouraged the use of some TZDs, leaving it up to medical criteria to weigh the risks versus the benefits of using them. Our preclinical results show that our product does not have visible adverse effects. It could be used as a complementary approach in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes, also adding other effects observed in our preliminary studies, such as neuronal, vascular, and oxidative protection. This is highly beneficial for diabetic patients since diabetes tends to generate vascular and neurological damage if not treated. The consumption of our product would be complementary to other dietary and pharmacological treatments, providing the best effects of TZDs without the risks associated with their consumption.
Current development status
Experimental technologies
Applications
Diabetes
Insulin resistance
Desired business relationship
Patent licensing
Technology development
Scientific research is one of the fundamental pillars sustaining the solid prestige that the Universidad Andres Bello has established over its 26 years of history. In fact, UNAB was the first non-traditional Chilean university to be accredited in research.
Each one of UNAB’s research centers has hosted investigators who have led important scientific and technological advancements. UNAB promotes research in a wide range of areas, from galaxies, biotechnology, nanoparticles, farming/agriculture, sustainable development, medicine, and new pathologies to social conflicts and education.
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