Review Article: New Targets for Drug Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been increasing at an alarming rate. With an increased understanding of the pathophysiology of T2DM, various new therapeutic options have been developed and evaluated to bind different key targets in T2DM. The discovery of novel therapies through many approaches such as unprecedented drug combinations, modified drug molecules, and improved delivery systems can nullify some of the undesirable side effects of traditional agents, in addition to enhancing their effectiveness. Newer drug targets such as protein kinase B (Akt/PKB), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sirtuin (SIRT), and others are novel approaches that act via different mechanisms and possibly treating T2DMof distinct variations and etiologies. Other therapies such as end barrier, gene therapy, and stem cell technology utilize advanced techniques to treat T2DM, and the potential of these therapies is still not well explored. Molecular targets in T2DM are also extensively studied as they could target the defects at the molecular level. In this regard, antibody therapies and vaccinations are also developed against T2DM; however, the ongoing clinical trials are scanty, and the developmental progress is slower. There are many therapies designed to cure T2DM, each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. The preference for the treatment plan usually depends on the health status of the patient and the treatment goal. To consider an ideal treatment option, one should worry about many factors. These include patient compliance, drug efficacy and potency, bioavailability, and other pharmacological and non-pharmacological properties among others.