A Diabetes Drug to Treat UC?
Researchers are always on the hunt for novel therapies to treat UC and Crohn's. A recent study examined the effect of rosiglitazone, a drug used for management of type II diabetes mellitus, in mild to moderately active UC. How can a diabetes drug be useful for treating UC? The receptor that the drug affects is present both in fat cells and colon cells. It is hypothesized that the drug may act on the receptors on colon cells and send signals to decrease inflammation.
In this study, 105 patients with mild to moderately active UC despite current medical therapy were randomized to take rosiglitazone 4mg twice a day or placebo. At the end of 12 weeks of treatment, 44% of those treated with rosiglitazone had a clinical response as compared to 23% of those receiving placebo. Improvement in symptoms was noted as early as 4 weeks into the study; and patients who had a good response reported an improved quality of life by 2 months. It should be noted, however, that while many patients reported feeling better, colonoscopies performed after treatment continued to show some degree of inflammation. As the study was only 12 weeks in duration, the long-term effects of such a treatment remain unknown.
With regard to side effects there has been some concern raised regarding an increased risk of bone fractures and heart attacks in diabetics using rosiglitazone. In the UC study, no patients reported having fractures or heart attacks. The most common side effects were headache and swelling of the extremities.
While the use of such a medication in mainstream UC treatment is a ways off, it is reassuring to see potential progress on the horizon.