Metabolic Syndrome is a serious and increasingly common disorder characterized by the association of insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and abdominal obesity. Each of the disorders that comprise Metabolic Syndrome is an independent and well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which accounts for more than 17 million deaths worldwide on an annual basis.
The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome has been demonstrated by a large body of recent research. Accumulation of fatty acids in adipose tissue as a result of over eating and obesity triggers intracellular redox stress. The loss of redox homeostasis leads to a host of inflammatory responses which can lead to the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, changes in phospholipid metabolism, non-alcoholic fatty livers, and generalized inflammatory responses in the circulatory system and heart. The syndrome is manifested by the formation of plaques, arterial sclerosis and cardiovascular events. Restoring intracellular redox homeostasis has been shown to ameliorate intracellular and tissue inflammatory responses.
The therapeutic goal for GVT® in the treatment of metabolic syndrome is to serve as primary therapy to improve insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant individuals and/or patients with type 2 diabetes.
Non-Clinical / Clinical Results.
Study Name
Name of Research Institution and Principal Investigator (s)
Completion Date
An inflammation in adipose tissue study. Impact on insulin resistance and glucose tolerance with gavage administration of GVT® (GVT®) in FVB/N mice
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Paul K.Y. Wong
Dr. Nomeli Nuñez
Completed 2008
In vivo and in vitro studies of the effects of α-luminol in two diseases (lymphoma & neurodegeneration) involving oxidative stress Note: findings from this study provide insight into the impact of GVT® on glucose homeostasis
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Paul K.Y. Wong
Completed 2008
Commercial Potential for GVT®
Large Market:
47 million individuals in the US (one in four adults) have Metabolic Syndrome.
This number is expected to double over the next 15 years.
Type 2 diabetes, a significant component of Metabolic Syndrome, affects nearly 30 million adults in the United States and over 194 million people worldwide.
The current U.S. market for diabetes alone exceeds $10 billion, and is predicted to grow to $45 billion by 2020.
Unmet Needs Remain:
As the worldwide epidemic of obesity continues to grow, the need for treating Metabolic Syndrome has increased tremendously
The rapid increased prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Western-type societies has elevated it to a high priority public health issue.
Novel drugs are needed to halt and treat the underlying pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome related diseases.
Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance is sub-optimally controlled in many patients with currently available agents
Inflammatory processes are tightly linked to oxidative stress and the endothelial dysfunction associated with Metabolic Syndrome and its progression.
Given the relationship between oxidative stress and the development of Metabolic Syndrome, GVT® represents a promising candidate for combating multiple components of this disease.
