Researchers have devised a computer program to develop medications for other illnesses that could be repurposed to treat type 2 diabetes and/or obesity by focusing on the genetic pathways. Five pathways with known medication targets for obesity and four with known drug targets for type 2 diabetes were found by the researchers.

According to studies presented at the International Congress on Obesity 2022 (ICO), cardiac glycosides and Palbociclib may also be used to treat type 2 diabetes besides treating heart failure and cancer. Similarly, Carfilzomib (chemotherapy) with baclofen (a muscle relaxant) may be used to treat obesity Fostamatinib, sucralfate and Regorafenib are used to treat thrombocytopenia, stomach ulcers and cancer respectively are also potential treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The researchers used genetic information from type 2 diabetes and obesity genome-wide association studies for this particular study. The researchers identified many regions of the genome and genes linked to the illness by comparing the frequency of millions of genetic variants in controls and type 2 diabetes and obese individuals.

Scientists looked at the possibilities of a large number of drugs and proposed that drug repurposing could be a quick way to develop new medications because there is already information available regarding their safety and effectiveness in humans. They also stated that preclinical and clinical trials of some of these compounds were being planned.

(Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/982691?src=#vp_1)