A Phase 2 Study of Cyclo-Z in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) is a zinc-containing enzyme that regulates degradation of internalized insulin and the maintenance of insulin sensitivity. Diabetic animals and humans are zinc deficient due to impaired intestinal zinc absorption and hyperzincuria. If endosomal IDE levels are inadequate, undigested insulin will remain in the cytosol and prevent insulin signal transduction. Cyclo-Z enhances IDE synthesis and stimulates insulin degradation. Although Cyclo (his-pro) (CHP) or zinc alone are somewhat effective in the control of blood glucose metabolism, based on the available literature and previous background studies, it is hypothesized that the combination of CHP and zinc in Cyclo-Z work synergistically to ameliorate insulin resistance in diabetic and obese subjects mainly by stimulating IDE synthesis.