Approaches to glucagon receptor antagonists

Abstract

Pharmacological observations that potent peptidic glucagon antagonists and antiglucagon antibodies are capable of lowering glucose levels in plasma, suggest that small molecule glucagon antagonists are strong candidates for the treatment of diabetes. Several classes of compounds have been identified that possess potent affinity for the human glucagon receptor. To date, one such molecule has advanced into clinical trial. This review will focus on published patent applications describing non-peptidic glucagon antagonists.

• diabetes
• glucagon
• non-insulin dependent diabetes
• receptor